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Arsonist May Have Set Fla. Fires

Gov declares state of emergency, promises harsh consequences

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted May 13, 2008 4:53 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Fires that have raged across Florida over the last 2 days may have been deliberately set, Gov. Charlie Crist said today. Investigators have pointed to the fact that many of the blazes in different places sprang up at once as evidence of arson, CNN reports. Almost 100 homes have been damaged by the fires, which authorities say are now mostly contained.

Crist promised swift justice for the arsonist, if apprehended: "That's why we have jail," he said at a news conference. "To lock people like that up for a very long time."

Firefighters battle a fire at the Babcock road in Palm Bay, Fl., Tuesday, May 13, 2008.
Firefighters battle a fire at the Babcock road in Palm Bay, Fl., Tuesday, May 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Florida Today, Amanda Stratford)
A firefighter walks away from burning brush in the Oakmont Preserve subdivision in Malabar, Fla., Tuesday, May 13, 2008.
A firefighter walks away from burning brush in the Oakmont Preserve subdivision in Malabar, Fla., Tuesday, May 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Joe Kaleita)
Firefighters battle a fire at the Babcock road in Palm Bay, Fla., Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Wildfires went through the Palm Bay area over the last two days destroying homes.
Firefighters battle a fire at the Babcock road in Palm Bay, Fla., Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Wildfires went through the Palm Bay area over the last two days destroying homes.   (AP Photo/Florida Today, Amanda Stratford)
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La Nina has a hand in Florida fires
Daytona Beach News-Journal

State of emergency declared in Fla.
New York Times

Lack of rainfall stokes fears of more Fla. fires
Florida Times-Union

 
Florida • homes • wildfires • damage • Charlie Crist • arson • arsonist

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