FLORIDA (WFLA) – Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in Florida on Tuesday in response to wildfires that have broken out across the state.
Hotter and drier conditions than normal are expected in the coming months, creating high potential for increased wildfires to continue this year.
The governor’s office says wildfires have already burned 250 percent more acreage during the first three months of 2017 than during the same time period last year.
More than 100 active wildfires are currently burning at least 20,000 acres across Florida.
BRUSH FIRE RELATED CLOSURES-
- Silver Palm Blvd at State Road 52 (leading into the Suncoast Lakes subdivision) is only open to local traffic and emergency vehicles at this time.
- The Suncoast Bike Trail was closed south of State Road 52 and north of the Starkey connection due to the brush fires burning in that area. That section of the trail is barricaded and will be closed until further notice.
RECENT WILDFIRES:
- More than 100 acres on fire in Pasco County, crews nervously watching situation
- Hernando County wildfire burns at least 1,100 acres
- Gandy Blvd. and I-275 reopen after St. Pete brush fire
- Massive 8,000-acre wildfire threatens to shut down Alligator Alley
- Crews working to contain brush fire at Brooker Creek Preserve
- Fire rescue crews battle Citrus County brush fire
- Crews contain North Port brush fire
- Fire crews extinguish Venice brush fire
