A fire that started burning in the Lake Okeechobee lake bed consumed more than 8,500 acres, though is completely contained, according to Okeechobee County Fire Rescue.
Smoke from the fire, which burned an estimated 8,612 acres, likely will be visible for the next few days, a Feb. 13 social media post from Okeechobee County Fire Rescue states.
According to the Florida Forest Service, much of Florida is “experiencing extreme drought conditions.”
The dry season, the agency stated, got here earlier than anticipated. Fires that start in these conditions, such as drought, low humidity and high winds, may get out of control rapidly and endanger lives or property, the agency stated.
There are burn bans in 34 counties, including Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin.
Camp fires, bonfires, yard waste burns and other open fires are prohibited. The bans do not include authorized outdoor burning.
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Massive Florida wildfire consumes more than 8,500 acres
Reporting by Will Greenlee, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
