Staff Report
BRADENTON – Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Florida in
an executive order on Tuesday, citing the fast-growing wildfires burning across the state and enabling dry conditions expected to continue without much optimism for rain in the foreseeable future.
Roughly 107 wildfires are currently active in Florida, affecting more than 20,000 acres.
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Photo via Florida Forest Service
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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. 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," said Scott in a statement, adding that the 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."
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said he hasn't seen a wildfire season so 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."
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