Arson Eyed In Florida Wildfires

Palm Bay, FL (AHN) - At least 50 homes were destroyed by wildfires that razed through Palm Bay in Florida. Investigators are looking at arson as a possible angle since the fire appeared to have originated from several points.

The strong winds even helped spread the blaze faster as fire leapt from rooftop to rooftop through Brevard and Volusia counties. Aside from residential units, also razed by the fire was a high school, where firefighters had to evacuate screaming students.

Following the huge damage caused by the blaze, Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency at 4 p.m., covering the entire state as major fires were also going on in North and South Florida.

The blaze is expected to slow down as coastal winds are expected to blow at 10 to 15 mph only, while sea breezes are expected to cool the atmosphere with moist air from the shore, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service told the Orlando Sentinel.

However, there is only a slim chance for rainfall for the rest of the week, making the dry and parched pines and palmettos susceptible to burning. An early morning humidity and cool weather helped temper the fires in Central Florida, while two blazes in Cocoa Beach were almost contained by midday.

Bayside High and Westside Elementary schools were emptied of students, while 17 other school are expected to be shut down Tuesday.

Fire Marshal Mike Coutire said the series of Palm Bay fires, set close to roadsides, razed within 18 hours from Sunday in what appears to be a circular pattern around the city. A suspicious vehicle was spotted in the city before the Sunday blazes. A $10,000 reward was offered for the arrest of the arsonist.

At least four firefighters were injured, one of them from an electrical wire shock.

Amid the Palm Bay fires, nearby Malabar was also ablaze with the burning fields widening from 2,000 to 3,000 acres. Officers knocked from door to door to advice residents to take their valuables and leave immediately, while those who refused to heed the warning were instructed to list the names of their relatives.

Even the residence of Palm Bay Mayor John Mazziotti was in danger since the fire was only three block away from his home. The mayor had evacuated his family to safer grounds.

The massive extent of the fire had exhausted almost all the water and other resources of the city. Assistant Fire Chief John Stables told CNN it has started to tap the resources of other counties with Florida.