Arsonist May Have Set Fla. Fires

Gov declares state of emergency, promises harsh consequences
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted May 13, 2008 4:53 PM CDT
Arsonist May Have Set Fla. Fires
Firefighters battle a fire at the Babcock road in Palm Bay, Fl., Tuesday, May 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Florida Today, Amanda Stratford)

Fires that have raged across Florida over the last 2 days may have been deliberately set, Gov. Charlie Crist said today. Investigators have pointed to the fact that many of the blazes in different places sprang up at once as evidence of arson, CNN reports. Almost 100 homes have been damaged by the fires, which authorities say are now mostly contained.

Crist promised swift justice for the arsonist, if apprehended: "That's why we have jail," he said at a news conference. "To lock people like that up for a very long time." (More Florida stories.)

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