Florida Fires 2008

More than 100 wildfires burning along Florida's central Atlantic coast forced hundreds of residents from their homes and scorched thousands of acres in May of 2008.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, the worst blazes were located in heavily populated Brevard County.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency on Monday, May 12, 2008, as crews continued to battle blazes in several areas. The Florida Department of Emergency Management confirmed several firefighters had been injured in their efforts to contain the fires.

The exact cause of the fires remains under investigation, but officials say they suspect the majority of the blazes are the work of an arsonist.

Fast Facts

1. 17,000 acres have burned; 100+ homes destroyed
2. Arson suspected
3. Worst fires in Palm Bay and Daytona Beach areas
4. Florida Governor Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency
5. 30-mile stretch of Interstate 95 closed

Arson Investigation

Authorities were said to be searching for a suspect they believe intentionally sparked several of the Florida fires. A $10,000 reward was being offered for information in the case.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, Palm Bay Police Chief Bill Berger said investigators are chasing down more than a thousand tips, but they had no solid leads. Governor Charlie Crist promised "harsh consqeuences" for the person found to be responsible for the blazes.

First Arrest

On May 14, 2008 authorities in Palm Bay, Florida arrested 31-year-old Brian Crowder. Police have identified Crowder as a "person of interest" in a fire near the city. Crowder was taken into custody after a witness reported seeing him throw an accelerant from his car into a field.

Crowder was being held in connection with a probation violation unrelated to the Florida fires. Arson-releated charges had not been filed.

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