Florida Officials Nab Suspect in Arson Fires

Police in Florida have a suspect in custody related to several wildfires that were set in recent days in Brevard County.

Palm Bay police took the man into custody around 9 a.m. local time today. The suspect reportedly fled police and was apprehended at his home. Officials had placed a $15,000 reward in the public for information regarding the fires.

The fires have leveled 62 homes and damaged close to 100 more. Palm Bay officials estimate damages of at least $9 million.

UPDATE: Florida Fire Closes Portion of I-95

A state of emergency was declared Monday in Florida by Gov. Charlie Crist as wildfires burned towards homes and businesses and forced the closure of a portion of Interstate 95 in Brevard County.

A number of homes have reportedly been destroyed by the biggest fires burning in the county, aided by windy conditions. Three firefighters have reportedly been injured.

Gov. Crist put the National Guard into action to help fight the blazes and assist with evacuating residents. A number of schools in the Palm Bay area will be closed on Tuesday.

One of the fires is reportedly being considered arson and a $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved.

Florida Authorities Suspect Arson in Wildfire

Officials in Florida suspect arson as the cause of a wildfire that has scorched approximately 3,000 acres in Brevard County.

The fire is one of four that has hit two eastern counties in the state over the weekend. While firefighters tackle the blaze, the good news is that it is situated in a rural area and only a few homes are in its path.

A fire buring in Volusia County resulted in the evacuation of nearly 600 homes. That particular fire has consumed more than 500 acres.

There have been no fatalities to date reported in any of the fires.