Staff Reports
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced Tuesday he had directed insurance experts to Franklin County to help residents navigate the insurance claims process.
A “fast-moving, out-of-control wildfire” broke out Sunday, the Tallahassee Democrat reported, claiming as many as two dozen homes in the Eastpoint area. As of early Tuesday, the blaze was roughly 70 percent contained, officials said.
Approximately 350 acres were burned, the Democrat reported, and up to 200 residents have been displaced.
“Too many residents have lost everything, including one of their largest investments: their home,” Patronis said in a statement. “With more than 30 homes destroyed, lives have been irrevocably changed.”
“The insurance claims process can be complicated and time-consuming, so my office is here to help residents during this difficult time,” Patronis added.
He said representatives from Citizens, Universal Property & Casualty, and United Property & Casualty will be on hand to help in claims.
They’ll be at the Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department, 24 6th St., Eastpoint, today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
