More Florida counties enact burn bans as drought worsens, number of wildfires increases
Sunny, clear skies. A warming trend continuing into the Easter weekend. No rain.
It's a forecast that's not good for a large portion of Florida's peninsula when combined with low humidity and dry soil and vegetation.
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"There is some elevated fire concerns possible today, especially in areas that have been particularly dry over the last seven to 14 days," the National Weather Service Tallahassee warned. About the only "good" news is that winds are expected to remain light.
As of Thursday morning, April 17, there were 71 wildfires burning across Florida, up nine from the day before, burning 3,033 acres.
The average statewide drought index increased Wednesday to 380.
The National Weather Service has not issued any red flag warnings as of Thursday morning.
However, very low humidity combined with dry soil and vegetation is creating an elevated fire danger.
"Lack of significant rainfall and well-above normal temperatures for the time of year throughout the Peninsula continue to keep moderate to severe drought conditions ongoing with the potential for expansion of these conditions this week and into next week as warmer conditions overspread the state," the Florida Department of Emergency Management said.
A red flag warning is issued when "critical fire weather conditions" are in place.
"A red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger," the National Weather Service said.
Forecasters said residents under a red flag warning should follow this advice:
If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road.
Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
Rainfall deficits over the last 90 days remain near 2" to 4' below normal.
Conditions are worse north of Interstate 4 and across coastal sections of South Florida. Those areas are experiencing rainfall of 4" to 6' below normal, the Florida Department of Emergency Management said.Florida.
"Have you been enjoying the sunny, dry and warm weather? Great news....It continues tomorrow. It even looks to continue the next day....and the next day....and the next day," the National Weather Service Mobile posted on X.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the largest wildfires burning in Florida as of April 11 were (data is updated every Friday):
East Marsh Fire: One mile west of DeLand. 3,377 acres. Now 100% contained.
Fernadez Fire: Four miles northeast of Lake Kathryn. 565 acres. Now 100% contained.
Red Horse Fire: Fire started on private land seven miles northwest of Bowling Green. 390 acres. Now 100% contained.
"Wildfire names are generally based on the geographic location of the fire or a nearby geographic feature," according to Tim Brown, communications manager with the Florida Forest Service in an email.
"For example, the '344 Fire' was due to its location near 344 Street."
The National Weather Service Tampa Bay warned "We will be bone dry over the next seven days with no rainfall expected."
The state can expect sunny, dry and warm weather over the coming days, news the National Weather Service Mobile described on X as: "It continues tomorrow. It even looks to continue the next day....and the next day....and the next day."
Western Panhandle, Pensacola: Sunny. High 74. Low 67.
Central Panhandle, Tallahassee: Sunny. High 84. Low 56.
Northeast Florida, Jacksonville: Sunny. High 81. Low 62.
East Coast, Central Florida from Daytona Beach to Stuart: Sunny. High 79. Low 675.
South Florida, West Palm Beach, Naples: Sunny. High 76. Low 72.
Southwest Florida, Fort Myers to Sarasota: Sunny. High 80. Low 66.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida was 380 Wednesday. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry.
As of Wednesday, April 16, there were 20 Florida counties with a mean Keetch-Byram Drought Index over 500, which means drought or increased fire danger.
Counties with drought index over 600, which is associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurring:
Counties in bold are new ones added in each section.
Collier: 604
Hendry: 610
Lee: 618
Counties with drought index in the 500s:
Broward: 553
Charlotte: 581
DeSoto: 544
Glades: 569
Hardee: 581
Hernando: 500
Highlands: 514
Hillsborough: 506
Lake: 556
Manatee: 562
Martin: 521
Miami-Dade: 553
Monroe: 567
Orange: 500
Palm Beach: 594
Pasco: 535
Polk: 507
Sarasota: 572
Sumter: 543
Volusia: 520
Another 10 of Florida's 67 counties have index numbers in the 400s.
Two counties are within 25 points of hitting 500:
Okeechobee: 478
Seminole: 498
Here's an explanation of what the Keetch-Byram Drought Index numbers mean, according to the Wildland Fire Assessment System.
0-200: Soil moisture and large-class fuel moistures are high and do not contribute much to fire intensity. Typical of spring dormant season following winter precipitation.
200-400: Typical of late spring, early growing season. Lower litter and duff layers are drying and beginning to contribute to fire intensity.
400-600: Typical of late summer, early fall. Lower litter and duff layers actively contribute to fire intensity and will burn actively.
600-800: Often associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurrence. Intense, deep burning fires with significant downwind spotting can be expected. Live fuels can also be expected to burn actively at these levels.
According to the Florida Forest Service, as of April 16, burn bans are in place for the following counties:
Charlotte
Collier
Glades
Hendry
Highlands
Lake
Lee
Orange
Polk
Sarasota
Volusia
Read more about burn bans issued this week:
Volusia County announced a burn ban would take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday in the areas of Oak Hill, Lake Helen and Pierson.
➤ 200-acre brush fire breaks out near New Smyrna Beach as outdoor burn ban announced
Polk County issued a burn ban effective April 14 to include unincorporated areas of the county and prohibiting campfires and the burning of yard and household trash.
➤ Polk County issues burn ban as prolonged lack of rainfall brings higher wildfire potential
The open burning of yard debris is always prohibited in these counties:
Duval
Hillsborough
Orange
Pinellas
We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida fires increase, drought continues. See forecast, wildfires
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