Matlacha-Pine Island fire Control District needs your help
As most of us are aware, there have been several instances of undetermined cause of fires in our fire district in recent time. The Florida State fire Marshal’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff’s office have been diligent in investigating each of these.
These fires have been is several areas of Pine Island, including the Matlacha and Matlacha Isles neighborhoods, as well as in St. James City. We ask that all residents of the island communities be attentive to the events in their specific neighborhoods.
Your help is needed as citizens of our community to be ware of people or events that may seem out of place in your neighborhoods as you may be out walking your dogs or see or hear something in the night. Any information may be helpful.
We hear comment that someone may not want to bother the Sheriff’s Department or Fire Departments just because they heard a strange noise or saw strange vehicles that do not belong at a residence or business. This statement is to the contrary. We want to hear from you day or night, 24/7. We are here to provide service to our community no matter how minor it may seem at the time.
the florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff’s office are currently investigating these suspicious fires and both are seeking assistance from the surrounding community in providing any information leading to the successful conclusion of this investigation.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has offered up to $2,500 cash reward for any information for the identification, arrest and conviction of any individual or individuals responsible for this fire occurring. any information related to this case investigation can be provided anonymously by calling the Start Fire Marshal’s Office Arson Hotline at 1-877-NO Arson (1-877-662-7766) or Lee County Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is the Law Enforcement Branch of the Division of State Fire Marshal that assists other state and local law enforcement and fire service agencies in the investigations of fires of a suspicious origin.
Additionally, on another note of help needed to maintain our firefighter’s skills in vehicle extraction, we are looking for cars or trucks to be donated to cut up for training with the “jaws of life”. If you have any or know anyone who may, please contact me at 283-0030.