Fueled by Drought and Climate Change, Wildfires Explode Across Florida and the Southeast

Ongoing drought conditions, high winds, and low humidity levels are fueling a spate of wildfires across the Southeast and Florida. Read on for the details of this growing fire concern, as moisture has been hard to come by in this region.

Florida Epicenter of Recent Wildfire Activity in the U.S.

Acute wildfire danger continues to pose hazards in Florida and the Southeast. It is highly unusual to see this degree of wildfire activity in the Southeast in April. Yet, the perfect storm of conditions has contributed to the most severe wildfire threat in this corner of the country in decades. Forecasters are warning that all it takes is one spark to line up with a gust of wind to generate a fast-moving blaze that can quickly overtake an area.

Florida has been the heart of the wildfire threat over the last few weeks. Two separate fires erupted in the college town of Gainesville on Sunday, forcing the evacuations of several neighborhoods. According to the Florida Forest Service, the populated communities of Eryn's Garden and Pine Forest were both under these evacuation orders.

A fire burning along North Main Street in Gainesville exploded to over 100 acres by Monday morning. A secondary fire along State Road 121 scorched 25 acres before crews were able to bring it under control.