wildfires

Fires that burned about 24,000 acres in Everglades National Park were mostly brought under control on Wednesday, but scientists are keeping an eye on effects from a prolonged drought that could impact Florida Bay, wading birds and the Everglades muck.

As fire burned through parts of Everglades National Park over the weekend, extreme drought conditions continue to grip the wetlands. More than three months into the rainy season, this year’s withering drought has slightly eased for other parts of South Florida. But central Everglades marshes, where the fires ignited, remain in unusual extreme drought conditions.

Insurance is supposed to soften the blow when homes burn or flood. With some preparation, you can better your odds of a smoother recovery if disaster strikes.

With severe drought conditions and more than 2,100 fires in Florida spread across 135,000 acres just since January, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and other top state officials offered warnings to Floridians as the peak of the state’s wildfire season approaches.

Why is a region of the U.S. more often known for thunderstorms and humidity in spring seeing so many wildfires? Here’s what’s happening to drive these conditions.

Drought conditions in Florida have helped spur 1,500 wildfires in the first three months of the year, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said.

Florida emergency officials say the fire does not threaten the state-run immigration detention facility called “Alligator Alcatraz.”

A team of researchers say that human-caused climate change had an important impact on the recent ferocious wildfires that engulfed parts of Chile and Argentina's Patagonia region, making the extremely high-risk conditions that led to widespread burning up to three times more likely than in a world without global warming.

There are very low humidity levels, and the incoming cold front will bring another round of strong winds and a push of extra dry air, worsening the fire danger.

This time of year, when there is still some moisture in the backwoods, yet it hasn’t been raining every day, creates perfect conditions for professional firefighters to light a “controlled” or “prescribed” fire.

As of Sunday night, the Sandy Fire was reported at 19,814 acres and 45 percent contained. Ground and aviation resources will continue operations Monday, continuing to hold and improve control lines around the fire.

The nearly two-week long Sandy Fire in the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County burned closer to U.S. 41 prompting the Florida Highway patrol to issue a closure order.