Rapidly Spreading Flames Caused by A High Fire Risk in Florida Force Evacuations

April through June often sees the most significant effects of wildfires in Florida. However, 51,000 acres have been torched by more than 1,000 wildfires in the Sunshine State since January. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports severe drought plaguing portions of Florida’s Heartland and Central Florida.

Roads in Florida have been restricted to traffic, and homeowners have been forced to evacuate their homes due to recent wildfires. The Sunshine State is expected to see a busier-than-normal wildfire season this spring.

Following the National Interagency Fire Center’s prediction of an above-average wildfire season earlier this month, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service cautioned Floridians to prepare for a possibly hectic season.

April through June often sees the most significant effects of wildfires in Florida. However, 51,000 acres have been torched by more than 1,000 wildfires in the Sunshine State since January. In March, Miami-Dade firefighters fought several sizable wildfires that endangered residences and forced evacuations.

Due to the abundance of trash around the state, the active hurricane season of last year, which saw many significant storm landfalls in Florida, is making fires more likely.

The Florida Forest Service reports that while the state faces a moderate fire threat, a large portion of Central Florida is still at high fire danger on the Fire Threat Index.

Rick Dolan, director of the Florida Forest Service, said several factors could make this a busy wildfire season, including leftover debris from multiple hurricanes and forecasts calling for less rain this spring.” “I’m urging folks to keep an eye on the weather, particularly the wind, relative humidity, and number of days since the last rain. We must be prepared for wildfires now that spring has arrived.

The hamlet of Montura Ranch Estates, located approximately one hour east of Fort Myers, was evacuated on Wednesday due to a significant brush fire in Hendry County. Per the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, the electricity has been turned off, and residents have been evacuated.

On Wednesday, another fire broke out on Florida’s Space Coast, more than an hour northeast of Henry County. Twenty-five acres were rapidly burned by the Digital Fire in Melbourne. According to Melbourne officials, the fire closed at least one local route.

A more than 100-acre fire broke out Tuesday west of New Smyrna Beach, but no evacuations were needed. Volusia County Fire Rescue said the Florida Forest Service requested helicopters to assist with containment lines.

Burn restrictions have been implemented in over ten counties in Southwest and Central Florida, including Polk County, where a ban was implemented on Tuesday, due to the favorable circumstances for wildfires to spread swiftly.

“After reviewing all of the information, we have determined that a burn ban is required out of caution,” Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith stated in a press statement. “Polk County is now experiencing extensive dry conditions, which raises the risk of wildfires. Therefore, we ask that you be a good neighbor and follow the prohibition. At the same time, it is in place to reduce the danger and assist in maintaining the safety of all Polk County residents and tourists and our public safety officers.”

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports severe drought in Florida’s Heartland, where many fires have started in recent weeks, and all of Central, West, and South Florida are experiencing some degree of drought.