TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement has arrested Tyler Stephen Meldrim, 23, in connection with a wildfire that occurred on April 27, 2024, in Santa Rosa County. Meldrim faces one count of Intentional Burning of Lands under Florida Statute 590.28, a third-degree felony.
"I want to thank local emergency services and the Florida Forest Service for their swift response to this fire and for preventing a much worse outcome. I also want to commend the quick and thorough investigation by the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement to apprehend the individual responsible for this dangerous act, and possibly other recent intentionally set fires in the area," said Commissioner Simpson. "We remain committed to protecting Florida's natural resources and ensuring that those who threaten our communities with such reckless actions are held accountable."
On April 27, 2024, at approximately 12:05 p.m., a fire was reported to Santa Rosa County emergency services. The Bagdad Fire Department, Avalon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Florida Forest Service responded to the fire near 2640 Garcon Point Rd., Milton, FL. The fire consumed approximately one acre of woodland managed by water management authorities. Due to prompt response from local fire departments and the Florida Forest Service, the fire was contained before causing more extensive damage.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a suspicious individual later identified as Tyler Stephen Meldrim, who was wearing a Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department t-shirt despite no longer being associated with any fire department. Initial reports indicated that Meldrim was wandering around the fire site and had to be asked to move his vehicle to allow fire department access.
Meldrim’s vehicle matched descriptions from several other recent fires in northern Santa Rosa County. When questioned by law enforcement at the scene, Meldrim initially claimed he was merely passing by and noticed the fire.
Eyewitnesses recalled seeing a maroon car parked on the side of the road before the fire was reported and observed an individual coming out of nearby woods where the fire originated. They later saw this same individual directing traffic at the scene.
Further investigation revealed inconsistencies in Meldrim's statements on April 27th. On June 28th, after being confronted with evidence and eyewitness accounts, Meldrim confessed to starting the fire by igniting dry pine straw with a lit cigarette and lighter. He admitted his motive was to rejoin a fire department by demonstrating his ability to assist in extinguishing fires.
On July 10th, Meldrim was arrested by agricultural law enforcement officers and booked into Santa Rosa County Jail.
The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement conducts criminal investigations related to its jurisdictional matters including consumer protection from unfair practices; safeguarding Florida’s agriculture industry from theft; ensuring food integrity; operating over 20 agricultural interdiction stations statewide; conducting vehicle inspections round-the-clock year-round; protecting Florida’s food supply; preventing agricultural pests' introduction or spread.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and FDACS services visit FDACS.gov.
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