Florida’s drought conditions are causing a dangerously sharp increase in wildfire activity as hundreds of fires are being reported statewide amid one of the driest periods in decades.
Ben Nelson, senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, told the St. Augustine Record via email that the region’s lack of rainfall is adding insult to injury for these dangerous wildfire conditions.
“Dry conditions will exacerbate the spread of any new wildfires that develop in our area,” he said.
According to a news release from St. Johns County Emergency Management, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index — a measure of soil dryness and wildfire potential — currently sits at 443 in St. Johns County, indicating critically dry ground conditions capable of supporting rapidly spreading fires.
“At these levels, vegetation and organic soils can ignite easily, allowing fires to grow quickly and threaten nearby homes and infrastructure,” they said.
Research shows that human activity is the leading cause of wildfires in Florida, particularly during seasons of minimal rainfall, warm temperatures and gusty winds. Embers, sparks or unattended flames can quickly escalate into fast-moving fires with increased winds.
Wildfire risk is not limited to rural or wooded areas. And risk conditions which include low humidity, dry vegetation and wind gusts can quickly change.
“Under dry and windy conditions, fires can spread rapidly through neighborhoods, jumping from yard debris or brush into structures within minutes,” the county news release said. “Extreme drought conditions increase the likelihood that everyday outdoor activities can unintentionally spark dangerous fires. Residents are strongly encouraged to take preventative actions to protect their families, neighbors, and first responders.”
St. Johns County Emergency Management is urging residents to take extra precautions as extreme drought and elevated wildfire risk increases the threat of dangerous conditions across Northeast Florida.
Emergency management is also requesting that residents remain weather aware and understand that wildfire behavior during drought conditions can escalate rapidly, reducing evacuation time and increasing risks to life and property.
“St. Johns County Emergency Management, Fire Rescue, and public safety partners continue coordinating with state and federal agencies to monitor conditions and prepare response resources as needed,” they said.
St. Johns County Emergency Management encourages the public to stay informed through these options:
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Fire danger in St. Johns County is increasing amid statewide drought
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
