FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith says a wildfire has caused "a lot of loss," impacted hundreds of acres, and possibly caused stress that resulted in a man's fatal heart attack.
A Red Cross spokesperson seeking volunteers says the fire destroyed at least 30 homes. As many as 60 homes may have been destroyed, according to a Go Fund Me account, Eastpoint Fire Victim Relief Fund, referred to from the Facebook page of the Franklin County sheriff.
The sheriff did not identify the man who had the fatal heart attack.
"An estimated two hundred people are now displaced as a result of this tragedy, and many without insurance," the Go Fund Me appeal said. "The widespread fire was rapidly moving, allowing residents only moments to escape with their lives."
The sheriff's office says the fire is contained for now, early Monday morning. During brief comments Monday, a spokesperson said the fire, which began around 6 p.m. Sunday, involved from 600 - 700 acres.
Smith said officials will be working Monday to find "some conclusive proof about what started the fire."
FCSO issued mandatory evacuations for Ridge Road, Bear Creek, Wilderness Road, CC Land, Twin Lakes, North Bay Shore and Hwy 65 after a wood fire occurred in Eastpoint.
Early Monday morning, Wilderness and Buck Streets were closed to the public. The sheriff said people found in the closed areas will be arrested. In comments Monday morning, he said one arrest was made but provided no details.
Law enforcement blocked access to those roads and patrolled the area. Electricity was cut to the area.
WHERE TO FIND HELP:
An real-time updated list for aid can be found here.
Eastpoint Church of God will be the Red Cross shelter for the immediate future. This includes meals, toiletry, water, and baby needs. Weems Memorial will be on site at 12 p.m. to assist with medical needs and prescriptions.
Shelter is available for those affected by the fire at the Holiness Pentecostal Church in Eastpoint, Red Pirate, the Eastpoint Firehouse and High Calling Church. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone seeking or offering shelter to post a comment here.
FCSO says there's several other resources available to those impacted by the fire:
- United Methodist Church on 317 Patton Drive has clothing
- Eastpoint Church of God has food, toiletries, water and baby supplies
- First Baptist at Eastpoint next to the Eastpoint Church of God is set up for showers/bathing
- The Eastpoint and Carrabelle Nest are providing free daycare for children under 18 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. They do not have to be registered to attend the program
The Mangia 850 will be serving free spaghetti to anyone impacted by the fire as well as all officers and first responders. It is located in the Point Mall. Big Top Supermarket will serve free BBQ lunch to all LEO, Firefighters, and victims of the fire.
Gov. Rick Scott tweeted Sunday night that he has offered any state resources Franklin County may need.
Spoke with @FCSOFL Sheriff Tony Smith tonight about the wildfires in Eastpoint. We’ve offered any state resources Franklin County may need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families impacted by this and the brave first responders battling the fire.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) June 25, 2018
Scott met with the sheriff and first responders Monday morning and received an update on the wildfire. He then left to tour areas damaged by the fire.
HOW TO DONATE:
A Go Fund me account the sheriff said on Facebook would be set up has been made live.
"The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is administering this fund," the GoFundMe appeal said." On behalf of the victims of this horrendous fire, we thank you for your support, prayers and generosity!"
Smith's Facebook post said donations of supplies should be sent to the Eastpoint Church of God and the Eastpoint firehouse.
The Red Cross is seeking volunteers to run shelters through Friday. A Red Cross spokespersons says the agency needs four volunteers for each 12-hour shift for tasks that include delivering food and supporting first responders with canteening and meals.
The Liberty County Sheriff's Office is also taking up donations of water, personal hygiene items, clothing (new and in package only) and individually wrapped snack items. You can drop off items at the new office of the Liberty County Sheriff at 12832 NW Central Avenue, Bristol, FL 32321.
Additional drop off locations are as follows:
As we continue to monitor the situation in #Eastpoint, here is a list of requested relief supplies and designated drop-off locations. pic.twitter.com/x8vQi0hPat
— Office of the Mayor (@MayorOfTLH) June 25, 2018
Additional locations: pic.twitter.com/gf07gb9yjx
— Office of the Mayor (@MayorOfTLH) June 25, 2018
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is currently working on containing a fire.
FCSO says they have the roadway block on North Bayshore Drive as the Department of Forestry works to contain a fire.
FCSO says at the moment they are attempting to cut fire lines with tractors to eliminate further spreading of the dangerous fire.
Deputies say the fire is located near Buck Street, Ridge Road and the Twin Lakes areas at this time.
FCSO state there are no evacuations at this time, but phone calls are being made to prepare residents and make them aware of the danger.
