Florida Fire Fighters Work Hard to Contain Wildfires

May 14, 2008 – Hundreds of fire fighters from across the state of Florida are responding to more than 17,000 acres of wildfires in 14 of the state’s counties, including hardest-hit Brevard and Volusia. So far, no major fire fighter injuries have been reported, but one St. Lucie County Local 1377 member has lost his home.

The first of the more than 100 wildfires began on Sunday, May 11. Since then, dry and windy conditions have fueled the flames, making it difficult for fire fighters to achieve 100 percent containment.

Arson was suspected in some of the wildfires that began within hours of each other in separate locations. Police have arrested Brian Crowder, 31, who was seen throwing a glass bottle containing an accelerant into the woods.

“This situation is the exact reason we campaigned so hard against the recent state property tax reforms,” says Gary Rainey, Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) vice president. Those recently passed reforms provided savings to Florida homeowners, but they also mean less state dollars are available to local governments.

“Now because of the budget cutbacks, many fire fighters have lost their jobs and several vacated positions remain open,” Rainey adds. “Our guys are doing a valiant job with the resources they have, but it is difficult.”

Volusia County President Jeremiah Greathouse agrees. “Our resources are so stretched we do not have the ability to send help to our neighboring Brevard County. We have been fighting a large wildfire on the west side of Daytona Beach. The work that has gone into protecting the 600 threatened homes has been intense.”

Since the fires began, about 20 homes have been destroyed, including the Brevard County home of Allen Civita, a member of St. Lucie County Local 1377. Civita and his family are uninjured and staying with relatives. The members of his local and other fire fighters are already working to provide him with basic necessities and financial relief.

Meanwhile, major highways and roads have been closed intermittently because of encroaching flames, making travel difficult. Yesterday, that included a 34-mile stretch of Interstate 95.

Florida’s governor has declared a state of emergency in Brevard and Volusia counties.