Wildfire arsonists are sought
Investigators searched for one or more arsonists behind a string of stubborn wildfires that have destroyed at least 40 homes on Florida’s Atlantic coast and damaged more than 120 other structures.
Firefighters in Brevard County were trying for the third day to contain blazes that have scorched about 10,000 acres, or more than 15 square miles, in and around the towns of Palm Bay and Malabar. Arson is suspected in 11 fires.
Smoke and the proximity of flames caused the intermittent closure of major highways, including a 34-mile stretch of Interstate 95. “Flames are coming onto the interstate,” Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Kim Miller said.
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