Multiple Blazes Test Emergency Resources
Firefighters doused hot spots and homeowners cleared charred debris as authorities hunted for whoever set several fires that roared across thousands of acres in southwestern Florida.
Two houses were destroyed and dozens were damaged. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
Several fires were set Thursday, stretching 200 firefighters so thin they had to concentrate just on areas where homes were threatened. In Charlotte County alone, seven blazes broke out within a 90-minute period, scorching 1,600 acres.
In Sarasota County to the north, a fire raced across 1,700 acres south of Sarasota. By Friday, all of the fires had been contained, and about 100 families who were forced to evacuate in the Sarasota area had returned home.
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