Florida State Of Emergency Declared As Wildfires Spike

TALLAHASSEE, FL — With wildfires an ongoing concern across the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida, Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday declared a state of emergency. The declaration comes as more than 100 active wildfires continue to burn on more than 20,000 acres across Florida.

“As wildfires impact our state, our incredible firefighters and first responders have bravely rushed to aid our communities and worked tirelessly to protect our homes and families,” Scott said in making the declaration.

Scott’s declaration comes following several high-profile wildfires in the Tampa Bay area. Last week, a brushfire along Interstate 275 in the Gandy Boulevard area closed roads for hours, snarling traffic throughout Pinellas County. More than 1,100 acres of land have burned in Hernando County over the past few days while concerns related to two wildfires in Pasco County kept first responders hopping as the week began.

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“Much of Central and South Florida are approaching drought-like conditions and the chances for wildfires are continuing to increase with hotter temperatures and low rainfall,” Scott said. “This may only get worse as we enter the hotter summer months and it is crucial that we take every action right now to be prepared. It is incredibly important that wildfire response is swift and deliberate and this state of emergency will make it easier for our state, regional and local agencies to quickly work together to protect our families, visitors and communities.”

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said the state hasn’t seen a season this active since 2011.

“From St. George Island in the Panhandle to a wildfire just north of one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions in Orlando, we’re seeing that every area of our state is susceptible to wildfire,” Putnam said in a Tuesday statement. “I thank Governor Scott for signing this executive order, which will ensure we have every resource available to us to combat these wildfires to protect life, property and wildlife. May God bless our brave firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect us.”

With outdoor conditions ripe for wildfires, some places have issued burn bans. Polk County, for example, has made outdoor burning off limits. Other counties are considering similar actions.

For more information on wildfires, county burn bans and fire dangers, visit the state’s website.

According to the National Weather Service, the Tampa Bay area is in for a string of mostly rain-free days over the coming week. Thursday may bring a few drops into the region though.

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