Two firefighters battling the blazes in Hamilton county died Monday of smoke inhalation and heat related problems. Florida Governor Rick Scott issued this statement about the deaths this afternoon,
“As Florida faces a significant threat from more than 400 wildfires across our state, we are saddened to learn of the tragic loss of two of our veteran firefighters, Josh Burch and Brett Fulton. We pray for the comfort and strength for their families and fellow firefighters. I had the privilege of meeting many of our dedicated firefighters last week, and am not at all surprised to learn of the heroic efforts of co-workers to rescue them. The selfless commitment displayed by all of the firefighters across the state deserves our utmost respect.”
Meanwhile, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for the Florida Division of Forestry, Ludie Bond talked with WUFT-FM’s Jordan Matich and says there are current 81 active wildfires in the Waccasassa Forestry District alone.