News Release - Brush Fire Status Summary

FIRE UPDATE
There are no active fires within the City limits. A generalized map of the fireshed area is available online. This map only shows the general area of concern. It does not indicate the specific location of fires. Access Interactive Map.

ARSON INVESTIGATION
Investigators continue to follow up on more than 200 tips. No new information is being released on the status of those leads as the investigation is ongoing.

ENGINE STRIKE TEAMS
The Florida Fire Chiefs Association sent three Engine Strike Teams to the area including approximately 60 personnel. These teams came from Pinellas County, Jacksonville and Orlando and each included five engines with four personnel on each engine. In addition to the engine personnel, each team had a “team leader”. The strike teams have been demobilized as of late Friday. For more information contact Todd Schroeder, Florida Division of Forestry Public Information Officer at 850-519-0666.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
The City of Palm Bay Emergency Operations Center is in the process of demobilization, however critical personnel will remain available to facilitate whatever needs may continue to arise. During the state of emergency, Palm Bay Fire Rescue personnel transitioned to 12-hour shift rotations. Personnel will resume normal 24-hour shift rotation beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday, May 18th.

DAMAGE TOTALS FINALIZED
The total number of homes destroyed is 33 with an estimated value at $5.6 million dollasr Total number of homes damaged is 236 with an estimated value of $919,050.

ARSON INVESTIGATION
Investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture, the Palm Bay Police Department, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, State Fire Marshal's Office, Brevard County Sheriff's Office, State Fire Marshal and Palm Bay Fire Inspectors are continuing to follow numerous leads in the search for additional suspects in the Mother's Day fires. More than 200 tips have been called in and investigators are following up on those leads. There remains a $15,000 reward for information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting the fires. Anyone with information should contact the Central Florida CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS.

FRAUDS/SCAMS
The Palm Bay Police Department has already received complaints from residents reporting possible unlicensed contractors and schemes to defraud victims in various ways. Some residents are receiving NOTICES on their property asking for money in order to paint "reflective" address numbers on driveways. Residents should pay careful attention to those offering such services and are encouraged not to provide these solicitors with any financial compensation. Residents are urged to ask potential contractors for a copy of their business license, and insurance and to verify the legitimacy of these contractors by checking with Brevard County’s Office of Licensing and Enforcement. Residents should report suspicious activity to police.

REBUILDING
The Growth Management Department is ready to help as victims begin to rebuild. Working closely with the Council and City Manager, the requirement for Building Permits for Emergency Repairs necessitated by the fires has been waived. Additionally, the City is waiving all building permit fees for permanent repairs. We will expedite issuing these permits to the fullest extent possible.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE
The City of Palm Bay offers a variety of programs that may assist victims of the recent brush fires. The post disaster recovery program may provide assistance to income-eligible applicants for:

Temporary housing vouchers
Medical bills
Food
Rent/mortgage assistance
Payment of insurance deductibles
Minor repairs
Housing rehabilitation

For more information, contact Housing and Neighborhood Development Services Office at 321-952-3429 or email at hands@pbfl.org

Help...is just a phone call away. Dial 211 for 24 hour crisis intervention, information and referral service for Brevard County. View Website

CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to assist those who have been personally impacted by the fires in South Brevard continue to be taken by United Way of Brevard. Learn More

POWER
Florida Power & Light estimated power to be restored to customers by Friday, May 16th. Customers who still do not have power can call 1-800-4-OUTAGE (68-8243).

GETTING YOUR MAIL
Mailpersons delivering to the wildfire impacted areas will be holding mail that is addressed to homes destroyed by the fires. The mail can be picked up by the addresses at the Post Office located on the corner of Malabar Road and Jupiter Boulevard (950 Malabar Road SW). Their telephone number is 321-984-9658. The hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. They are closed on Sunday. Affected residents may pick up their mail daily or weekly at that location. A photo ID will need to be displayed to obtain your mail. Longer term arrangements can also be made for forwarding mail to a new address if necessary.

AFTER THE FIRE - English / Spanish
A fire in the home or your business is one of the most tragic and devastating events anyone can experience. While there is no definite "starting over" point, the information below will provide guidance.

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