TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Investigators have determined the wildfire that destroyed 36 homes in Franklin County was caused by human error.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner, Adam Putnam, made the announcement Wednesday, saying that an investigation led by his office, uncovered that Wildland Fire Services Incorporated caused the fire, which burned more than 800 acres in Eastpoint.
Putnam says Wildland Fire Services, Inc., a company hired by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission caused the wildfire during a prescribed burn.
State officials say the prescribed fire was separated from an Eastpoint neighborhood by 580 acres of private land, that's how far the flames traveled, as they tore through Franklin County this week.
Now, Florida officials say they're suspending the prescribed fire program statewide while they continue investigating exactly what happened here.
"A lot of people were adversely affected by this wildfire. Commissioner Putnam's heart goes out to them and people can look for ways to help," said Jennifer Meale, Communications for Department of Agriculture. "I understand that the Franklin County Sheriff's office is looking to assist those residents who have been impacted."
The Red Cross says, as far as they know, none of the families who lost their homes have found a permanent solution yet.
They're currently staying with friends and family, in hotels and at shelters until they can figure out where they're going to live.
