INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — Indian Rocks Beach officials are searching for the people responsible for starting a massive Christmas tree fire in the early morning hours of New Year's Day.
Pinellas County deputies and firefighters responded to the blaze along with Indian Rocks Beach Code Enforcement around 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 1.
They reportedly arrived to find "a large number of Christmas trees" had been set on fire with a bottle of accelerant. City officials explain that while the fire was a violation of city code, the use of an accelerant could be a violation of state and federal laws.
"The City of Indian Rocks Beach takes this illegal act as a serious threat to the public and our environment," officials said in a news release.
Authorities are now working to identify the people involved. Anyone with information is asked to provide an anonymous tip to the city of Indian Rocks Beach at 727-595-2517.
While open burning of tree debris is legal in Florida in certain instances, certain authorizations must be granted beforehand. However, in the city of Indian Rocks Beach, it is strictly prohibited to set any kind of fire on the beach.
"It shall be unlawful to start, maintain, or otherwise ignite an open fire on the beach or sand within the city," the code of ordinances reads.