Florida Wildfire Update
Release Date: April 16, 1999
Release Number: HQ-99-115
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- FEMA released four fire suppression grants yesterday to help Florida state officials battling a series of wildfires. The grants help cover fire fighting costs for the Okeechobee Complex, the Wacasassa Complex, the Caloosahatchee Complex and the Orlando Complex wildfires.
The fires are impacting 18 counties. These include Alachua, Brevard, Collier, Gilchrist, Glades, Hendry, Highland, Indian River, Lee, Levy, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, St. Lucie and Seminole counties.
There are reports the Okeechobee Complex fire, located about 40 miles north of West Palm Beach in Port St. Lucie has destroyed some homes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports parts of the state will see some relief today and tomorrow in the form of rain and higher humidity. This weather should help fire fighters trying to contain and control the fires.
FEMA's regional office in Atlanta ( Region IV ) remains in contact with its state counterparts and is closely monitoring the situation.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-Jan-2004 16:07:53