Florida Wildfire Update
Release Date: April 21, 1999
Release Number: HQ-99-124
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Florida's Division of Forestry reports a total of 2,542 fires that have burned 231,263 acres in the state this year. There have been no fatalities, though 18 firefighters have sustained minor injuries.
Wildfires threatened the Town of Sanderson and up to 30 homes were evacuated. As of this morning, there was no report as to the status of the evacuees.
In Wakulla County, the National Forest Brush Fire has burned more than 4,000 acres and voluntary evacuations are taking place. There have been no injuries or structures damaged at this time.
The American Red Cross (ARC) reports all shelters have closed, but one service center is open in St. Lucie County. Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) remains closed from west of Ft. Lauderdale to east of Naples.
Florida State Community Relations teams have completed a survey of the damage areas and report most victims are insured. This includes 90 percent of victims in St. Lucie County where a joint Federal/State Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) is underway. The insured victims are being placed in local hotels at the expense of insurance companies, while the uninsured are being cared for by the ARC.
Yesterday, a Fire Suppression Assistance Grant was approved for the 2,000-acre Suwannee District fire, bringing the total to eight this year.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-Jan-2004 16:28:54