Return to story

Dozens of homes damaged as Florida battles wildfires

May 13, 2008 12:00 am

The Associated Press
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A relentless line of wildfires continues to burn across Florida's Atlantic coast.

The biggest blaze in Palm Bay has damaged some 70 homes and scorched 3,500 acres.

A 34-mile stretch of Interstate 95 in Brevard County and a section of U.S. Highway One remain closed, and all 18 schools in Palm Bay have canceled classes.

Flareups even occurred overnight, when the humidity is higher, which is raising concern among officials about what will happen during the day when it's usually drier and windier.

One local fire official predicts "it's going to be challenging to get the fire under control."

But weather forecasters say winds along the coast today could slow to 10 to 15 miles per hour, giving firefighters a bit of a break.

Watch video here

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)





Copyright 2008 The Free Lance-Star Publishing Company.