Wildfires Force Hundreds to Evacuate in Central Florida

[babylonsister]

Wildfires force evacuations in central Florida

Hundreds of central Fla. homes evacuated as wildfires burn; dry, hot conditions will continue

TRAVIS REED
AP News

May 12, 2008 15:27 EST


Dry, windy weather fueled several wildfires on Florida's central Atlantic coast Monday, destroying at least three homes and driving hundreds of residents away as the governor declared a state of emergency.

The largest fire, a 3,000-acre blaze in Brevard County, destroyed at least two homes, including the house Butch Vanfleet built in 1980 and tried in vain to protect with a garden hose.

Vanfleet, 59, said the fire had reached the doorstep of the house in Malabar when he and his family fled Sunday evening. All that stood Monday was the chimney and a stone wall.

Vanfleet said he will rebuild.

"It's devastation," he said. "All you see is nothing but ash in between the palm trees and the palmetto. There's no grass. The fire just came so quickly, we barely got out of there."

more...

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2008/05/wildfires_force_evacuations_in.php

[rsmith6621]

1. Im In Orlando

....The local TVs have pre-empted regular programing to do continuous coverage....pretty bad.

[Mojorabbit]

2. I am in Orlando too

We badly need some rain. I can't remember it every being this dry this time of year.

[parasim]

3. Thanks so much for the headsup, babylonsister.

I'm just 3 miles northereast of one of those fires... had no idea. I saw your post and went and went to my backyard and saw the smoke billowing.

Just spent the last 2 hours making sure that the fires making their way here... think I'm safe as I live across the river on a barrier reef. looks like things are getting under control now, but conditions are still tenuous. There's like 9 or 10 fires going on around here though, but i guess pretty much contained.

[babylonsister]

6. You're very welcome, parasim. So many disasters covered today, but

I hadn't heard anything in the m$m about this. I'm glad it was helpful! Stay safe! :hug:

[parasim]

7. Well, the local M$M is sure covering it...

I had my head buried in DU with c-span on in the background... thought i vaguely smelt smoke, but that's not uncommon with people's firepits, etc...

Don't worry, I think they got them pretty much under control now. We don't expect rain for a week though, and it's gonna get hotter and drier... so I'll be ready to skidaddle outta here if need be...

anyway, thanks again. :hug:

[magellan]

4. We can see the smoke

Can you believe some asshole went around intentionally setting these fires? I hope they catch him and stick a lit match where the sun don't shine.

[parasim]

8. Exactly what they should do if they catch the jerk.

I'll never understand the mind of an arsonist. They are saying that they think they were intentionally set.

[slackmaster]

5. Hurricane season starts in a few days

Hopefully.