Drought-Hit Florida: Firefighters Tackle Multiple Blazes, How Police Officers Will Manage?

DEBARYLIFE – Firefighters are battling wildfires that have forced some residents to leave and briefly closed highways throughout central and southern Florida.

As of early Sunday, more than 900 acres had burnt in Volusia County near Osteen; however, according to the Florida Forest Service, the fire is now 90% contained.

According to Volusia County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Scott Smoak, the fire may have started as a result of remnants of an earlier blaze, which broke out on Saturday, WESH-TV said.

The National Drought Mitigation Center reports that most of central and southern Florida is currently suffering drought conditions, with Sarasota and Punta Gorda facing the driest circumstances. The Florida Forest Service reports that thirteen counties in central and southwest Florida presently prohibit the outdoor burning of yard waste.

Particularly in this area of the county, it’s rather dry. Our biggest worries are any instances of people setting fire to themselves outside and any kind of spark-producing vehicle, Smoak stated.

Forecasters cautioned that Sunday’s weather is still conducive to fire spread, especially in the middle of Florida’s Atlantic coast where gusty winds are predicted.

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According to state forest service data, over 1,100 wildfires have been documented in Florida so far this year, scorching over 24,000 acres.

A minor fire on Saturday night near North Port momentarily required the evacuation of several houses and the shutdown of the northbound lanes of Interstate 75. Firefighters reported on Sunday that they had worked through the night and were still dousing hotspots, with the fire 80% suppressed by late Saturday.

Smoke from a fire in Martin County that started on Friday due to the remnants of an earlier fire remained on Sunday. Although the fire was 90% contained, WPTV-TV reported that a helicopter was dumping water on it.

Derek Craver told WPEC-TV that he had to leave his home because the fire was burning too near to it.

“The smoke began to approach as we were seated inside the house. It appeared dense. I noticed flames when I peered outside,” Craver remarked. “It can be a little chaotic and frightening, especially when they tell you to leave.”

Residents were permitted to return, and no homes were destroyed.