Florida wildfires ravage dozens of homes

TERRA.WIRE

Florida wildfires ravage dozens of homes
MIAMI, May 13 (AFP) May 13, 2008
Firefighters in Florida are battling wildfires Tuesday that have engulfed thousands of acres (hectares) along the southern state's central Atlantic coast, ravaging dozens of homes and shutting down major thoroughfares.

US media reported that at least 18 separate wildfires are raging across the state, destroying more than 6,000 acres (2,400 hectares).

Governor Charlie Crist on Monday declared a state of emergency in response to the fires, which have been whipped up by high winds and torrid temperatures.

The governor's state of emergency allows Florida to deploy the national guard to help fight the fires.