Number of wildfires burning in Florida climbs as dry conditions continue. Where, what to know

Yahoo

03-04-2025

The number of wildfires burning in Florida is going up as residents anticipate dry days into the weekend, along with possible record high temperatures.
On Thursday, April 3, there were 44 wildfires in the state, up from 38 the day before. More than 28,000 acres have been affected.
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The average statewide drought index jumped to 313 April 2, up from 303 the day before. The driest conditions continue to stretch across South and Southwest Florida.
"Well-above normal high temperatures" can be expected each afternoon into Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management.
"With the help of high pressure and dry conditions, high temperatures will reach the middle to upper 80s and lower 90s each afternoon. Typically, across North Florida, these are not temperatures we see for at least another three to four weeks on average, so there is a chance for record-breaking temperatures."
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida stopped its downward trend Wednesday, jumping to 313 from Tuesday's 303. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry.
As of Wednesday, April 2, there were 12 Florida counties with an average Keetch-Byram Drought Index over 500, which means drought or increased fire danger.
Broward: 564
Charlotte: 529
Collier: 571
Glades: 517
Hardee: 526
Hendry: 563
Lee: 568
Manatee: 521
Miami-Dade: 520
Monroe: 520
Palm Beach: 549
Sarasota: 518
Another 14 of Florida's 67 counties have index numbers in the 400s.
Locally sensitive wildfire conditions may be possible this afternoon and evening (April 3) along portions of the western peninsula of Florida as dry air lowers relative humidity values to near 40% to 50% and breezy conditions persist over areas with ongoing drought conditions, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management.
According to the Florida Forest Service, burn bans are in place for the following counties:
Charlotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry
Highlands
Lake
Sarasota
The open burning of yard debris is always prohibited in these counties:
Duval
Hillsborough
Orange
Pinellas
The Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in DeLeon Springs opened to the public Thursday, April 3. A fire burning since March 31, caused by lightning, is no longer threatening trails, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.
According to Erin Myers, public information officer for the East Marsh Road blaze, the fire has burned 2,800 acres and is 80% contained.
➤ Officials: Wildfire at Lake Woodruff refuge near DeLand 60% contained
Florida Forest Service Michael Harris said a fire in Collier County encompassed 70 acres as of 1 p.m. April 2. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Harris said there is no threat to public safety since the fire is mainly in a forested area. He warned smoke will linger for three to four days even after the fire is contained.
A few showers are possible across the Florida peninsula this afternoon, and an isolated rumble of thunder can't be ruled out, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management.
Warm and muggy conditions are expected to continue, with heat indices approaching the middle to upper 90s across west-central Florida.
Expect winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 15-25 mph.
Locally sensitive wildfire conditions are possible along the peninsula in the afternoon.
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Contributors: Kendall Little, Naples Daily News; Patricio G. Balona, Daytona Beach News-Journal
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida brush fires map: Number at 44. More than 28,000 burned