OSTEEN, Fla. — Firefighters across central and southern Florida are battling wildfires that have temporarily shut down highways and caused some residents to be evacuated.
More than 900 acres (360 hectares) had burned near Osteen in Volusia County as of early Sunday, although the Florida Forest Service said the fire is now 90% contained.
The fire broke out Saturday and may have been sparked by the remains of an earlier wildfire, Volusia County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Scott Smoak told WESH-TV.
Most of central and southern Florida are currently experiencing drought conditions, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, with the driest conditions concentrated around Sarasota and Punta Gorda. Outdoor burning of yard debris is currently banned by 13 central and southwest Florida counties, according to the Florida Forest Service.
“We’re extremely dry, especially in this part of the county. Any bit of people burning outdoors, any type of, you know, vehicles that creates sparks, those are our main concerns,” Smoak said.
Weather forecasters warned that conditions for spreading fires remain favorable Sunday, particularly along the middle of Florida’s Atlantic coast, where gusty winds are likely.
So far this year more than 1,100 wildfires have been reported in Florida, burning more than 24,000 acres (9,800 hectares), the state forest service reports.
A smaller fire Saturday in North Port briefly forced the closure of the northbound lanes of Interstate 75, with some residents being evacuated. The fire was 80% contained late Saturday, with firefighters saying Sunday they worked through the night and were continuing to douse hotspots.
In Martin County, smoke lingered Sunday from a fire that was sparked Friday from the remains of a previous fire. A helicopter was dropping water on the fire, WPTV-TV reported, although the blaze was 90% contained.
Derek Craver told WPEC-TV that he had to evacuate when the fire burned dangerously close to his house.
“We were sitting in the house and the smoke started getting close. It looked thick. I looked out there and saw flames,” Craver said. “It’s kind of hectic, a little bit of panic especially when they tell you to leave.”
No houses were damaged and residents were allowed to return.
Florida is currently facing a severe drought, with dry conditions and high temperatures creating the perfect environment for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. As a result, firefighters across the state are working tirelessly to extinguish fires in drought-affected areas and prevent further damage to homes, wildlife, and the environment.
One of the biggest challenges that firefighters are facing in these drought-affected areas is the lack of water sources. With rivers and lakes drying up and water levels in reservoirs dropping, firefighters are having to travel long distances to access water for firefighting efforts. This not only slows down the response time but also puts a strain on resources and manpower.
In addition to the lack of water sources, the dry and windy conditions in drought-affected areas make it easier for fires to spread quickly. Embers can be carried by the wind and ignite new fires in different locations, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze. This is why it is crucial for firefighters to work quickly and efficiently to extinguish fires before they have the chance to grow out of control.
To combat these challenges, firefighters are using a variety of tactics and equipment to extinguish fires in drought-affected areas. This includes using helicopters and air tankers to drop water and fire retardant on the flames, creating firebreaks to contain the fire’s spread, and using specialized firefighting vehicles and tools to access hard-to-reach areas.
Despite the difficult conditions, firefighters remain dedicated to their mission of protecting lives, property, and the environment. They work long hours in dangerous conditions, putting their own lives at risk to ensure the safety of others. Their bravery and commitment to their job are truly commendable.
As residents of Florida, it is important for us to do our part in preventing wildfires in drought-affected areas. This includes following burn bans, properly disposing of cigarettes, and being cautious when using outdoor equipment that could spark a fire. By working together with firefighters, we can help reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our communities from devastation.
In conclusion, firefighters in Florida are working tirelessly to extinguish fires in drought-affected areas, facing challenges such as lack of water sources and dry conditions. Their dedication and bravery are essential in protecting lives, property, and the environment. As residents, we must also do our part in preventing wildfires and supporting our firefighters in their efforts.
