TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis says that partial claims beginning to be paid out to Eastpoint fire victims.
As of 11 a.m. on Friday, Patronis says 16 claims have been paid out and says his staff is working to verify the remaining claims for each household.
On June 27, Patronis ordered the Division of Risk Management to send adjusters to help affected residents with filing partial settlement claims for up to $5,000 per household.
The claims are intended to help with emergency living expenses like temporary housing, clothing, food or pet care.
Patronis says his staff is working around the clock to file and verify claims so that residents can get paid as quickly as possible.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida officials say the Limerock fire that left many in Eastpoint homeless was caused by human error.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam made the announcement Wednesday morning, saying a prescribed burn is to blame for the destruction of 36 homes and the charring of more than 800 acres.
The state has announced that all prescribed burns statewide will be suspended.
And those who lost their homes in the fire will be compensated up to $5,000 for emergency living expenses.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam says Wildland Fire Services, a company hired by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, caused the wildfire during a prescribed burn.
The wildfire was conducted almost 600 acres away from the neighborhood but quickly spread.
"Florida has had some of the busiest wildfires in the past year that we've had in a decade," said Jennifer Meale. "Wildfires are common in FLorida. The weather changes day to day and throughout the entire state."
Many of the neighbors suspected the fire was caused by a prescribed burn.
Insurance experts from the Florida Division of Risk Management will be 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 at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, 270 FL-65, Eastpoint.
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.
