EASTPOINT, Fla. (WTXL) - The State of Florida is offering up to $5,000 to families in Eastpoint who lost everything in the Lime Rock wildfire.
That's after Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced the fire was caused by a state contractor attempting a controlled burn.
Jose Pineda was with his family at the store when he got a call saying his house was on fire. The next few minutes were chaotic, but Pineda says there was only one thing he could think about: "I didn't care about anything but my dad. I just wanted him to answer his phone and tell me he's okay.
"I just care about my family and that's it. That's all that matters," said Pineda.
People in Eastpoint are still reeling after flames tore through their neighborhood this week. The Lime Rock wildfire destroyed 36 homes and burned more than 800 acres.
Florida's prescribed fire program is now suspended statewide as investigators look into how Wildland Fire Services, Inc., a company hired by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, caused the devastating fire during a prescribed burn.
State officials say the prescribed fire was separated from this Eastpoint neighborhood by 580 acres of private land.
Many in Franklin County are understandably angry, but Pineda says right now, he and his family are just focused on cleaning up what's left behind.
"We've been sitting and thinking about what could've happened if we were all in the trailer. We haven't been thinking about who's fault it is or who did this," said Pineda.
"Right now, we're just looking for some sentimental stuff that my dad gave to me when I was three years old," Pineda added. "I'm still looking for it, if I can find it. I had his high school diploma too when he was 17, now he's 64 years old. But it's all gone."
The Red Cross tells WTXL none of the families who lost their homes have found a permanent solution yet. They're staying with friends, family, in hotels or at shelters until they can figure out where they're going to live.
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis says a team of adjusters from the state will be in Franklin County assessing the damage this week. Families could get up to $5,000 per household for emergency living expenses.
Patronis’ Division of Risk Management will send a team of adjusters to Franklin County Thursday, June 28, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, June 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will be stationed at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office located at 270 FL-65, Eastpoint, Florida. Residents should bring proof of residency such as a driver license, utility bill or other bills. Those who cannot attend on June 28 or June 29 are asked to call the Division of Risk Management at 850.413.3122 for assistance.
