Questions mount after deadly Glades County brush fire

ORTONA, Fla. (WINK) — The ground near the Ortona Community Center is blackened, and the air still carries the scent of charred pine. But for those living in this quiet corner of Glades County, the physical damage to the landscape pales in comparison to the human cost of a brush fire that broke out this past Saturday.

As the community tries to understand exactly what happened, WINK Investigates is looking into the circumstances surrounding the blaze that many residents claim resulted in a man’s death and a volunteer firefighter being hospitalized with severe burns.

The fire lines are still visible near the walking trail adjacent to the Community Center—etched into the earth in a desperate bid to contain a fire that climbed high into the canopy, as evidenced by the visual charring left behind. For Judy Ziady, who uses these trails for exercise and quiet reflection, the site is now a scene of personal loss.

Ziady says she knew those involved. "[Somebody] I knew died," she told WINK Investigates. "That was horrible, horrible. One day they’re there, next day they’re not."

According to multiple neighbors, the incident began when a fire was set during a period of dry weather and a burn ban. While the official cause remains under investigation, residents like Ziady point to the timing of the fire as a critical factor.

"There's times to burn, and there's time not to burn," Ziady said. "And this is why."

Multiple residents who say they knew the victim tell WINK Investigates that a volunteer firefighter arrived to assist as the flames spread. In the process of trying to save a man caught in the fire’s path, the firefighter reportedly suffered severe burns.

Despite the accounts from those on the ground, Glades County officials have declined to provide a timeline of events or confirm the extent of the injuries. 

In response to inquiries from WINK Investigates, a county spokesperson provided a brief statement:

"This matter is currently under review and involves an active and ongoing investigation. At this time, we are unable to confirm any details or provide further comment."

The silence from the county has left some Ortona residents with more questions than answers. 

Chief WINK Investigates Reporter Chorus Nylander continued to push for answers, requesting to know what they are “actively investigating.”

“Thank you for your follow-up. At this time, we are unable to confirm or characterize the nature, scope, or parties involved in any investigation. As previously stated, this matter remains under active review, and no additional information is available for release at this time.

We understand the public interest in matters of safety; however, any information will be released only when it is appropriate, accurate, and legally permissible to do so.”

Nylander also reached out to every County Commissioner about the situation, but received no response.

The neighbors identified the man who died and the firefighter, but WINK Investigates is withholding their names at this time because that hasn’t been released by first responders yet. 

Nylander reached out to the victim’s family but has not received a response. 

WINK News is committed to following this story. We will provide updates as soon as the county completes its review or more information becomes available.