Controlled burn sparked wildfire
Controlled burns are used as a tool to avoid future wildfires
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — A quickmoving wildfire that ravaged a north Florida coastal community and destroyed 36 homes was sparked by a controlled burn conducted by state-hired contractors, authorities said Wednesday.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said an investigation by his office eliminated other possible causes, including lightning, arson or an accidental cause.
“My heart goes out to those affected by this devastating wildfire, and I thank all of our partners in the response effort to stop the spread of the fire,” Putnam said in a statement.
The fire broke out late Sunday in Eastpoint, which is near the historic town of Apalachicola in the Florida Panhandle. Authorities evacuated the area, and though no one died as a direct result of the fire, it left devastation in its wake for local residents.
“I was scared to death. I saw them flames in my backyard — my whole backyard was on fire when I left,” Amanda Hall told the Tallahassee Democrat. “When I left, I couldn’t even see in front of me — the smoke was so thick. I didn’t even know if I was on a road or not.
“I lost everything — even my animals. I had no time to get them out,” said Hall, who told the newspaper she had six cats. “All I got out was my dog because he ran with me.”
The fire burned more than 800 acres (320 hectares), and officials said they were suspending control burns statewide while they investigate what happened. Controlled burns are used as a tool to lessen the danger of future wildfires.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said a private company was contracted to burn 480 acres (194 hectares) on June 18. The agency said 580 acres (235 hectares) of private land separated the controlled burn from Eastpoint.
Doug Williams, the owner of Wildlands Service, told the Tallahassee Democrat he had not been contacted by state officials and did not know that Putnam said investigators had determined his company was responsible for the wildfire.