Update: Florida Wildfires Spread; City Offers $10,000 To Catch Suspected Arsonist

Miami, FL (AHN) - Wildfires in the Sunshine State continue to intensify as Florida firefighting officials say they are now battling over 100 blazes.

Public schools near Orlando in Palm Bay have closed while Interstate 95 and other highways in Brevard County were shut down due to smoke. At least 50 homes were destroyed by wildfires that razed through Palm Bay in Florida. Investigators are looking at arson as a possible angle since the fire appeared to have originated from several points.

Fire Marshal Mike Coutire said the series of Palm Bay fires, set close to roadsides, razed within 18 hours from Sunday in what appears to be a circular pattern around the city. A suspicious vehicle was spotted in the city before the Sunday blazes. A $10,000 reward was offered for the arrest of the arsonist.

At least four firefighters were injured, one of them from an electrical wire shock. Following the injuries, Palm Bay Mayor John Mazziotti confirmed they are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the possible arsonist.

Following the huge damage caused by the blaze, Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency at 4 p.m., covering the entire state as major fires were also going on in North and South Florida.

The blaze is expected to slow down as coastal winds are expected to blow at 10 to 15 mph only, while sea breezes are expected to cool the atmosphere with moist air from the shore, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service told the Orlando Sentinel.

However, there is only a slim chance for rainfall for the rest of the week, making the dry and parched pines and palmettos susceptible to burning. An early morning humidity and cool weather helped temper the fires in Central Florida, while two blazes in Cocoa Beach were almost contained by midday.

AHN's Vittorio Hernandez contributed to this report.