Florida Forest Service

For wildfire prevention and preparation tips, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com. For up-to-date information on current wildfire conditions in Florida, visit tinyurl.com/mt94pdfa.

Despite recent rains, drought continues to plague Florida as the peak of wildfire season looms. 48 of our 67 counties have declared a county-wide burn ban as May begins. FFS is urging everyone to follow any county-imposed burn ban, which prohibits unauthorized outdoor burning.

Remembering Jason Norman Florida Forest Service Forest Ranger Jason Norman, a dedicated public servant and fixture of the agency for over two decades, passed away Saturday due to a medical emergency. Please keep his family, friends, and coworkers in your thoughts and prayers.

🚫 If You Fly, We Can’t 🚫 One critical part of a successful firefighting operation is making sure the skies are clear for firefighting aircraft. Help protect those working to keep our communities safe – “If You Fly, We Can’t.”

Stay alert and adhere to any local guidelines. For up-to-date information on current wildfire conditions in Florida, visit tinyurl.com/mt94pdfa. For wildfire prevention tips, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com.

🚩New Red Flag Warnings in Effect🚩 Drought conditions, low humidity, and winds have led @NWS to issue Red Flag Warnings for most inland regions in northeast, central & southwest Florida. Officials do not recommend any outdoor burning. 38 Florida counties have current burn bans

🔥4:30 p.m. Update🔥 Crews Road Fire: 2,000 acres; 5% containment Railroad Complex Fire: 1,000; 5% Airtankers made fire-retardant drops Monday while newly arrived “Super Scooper” aircraft collected and dropped water from the St. John’s River. FFS Bell 212 copters also on scene.

Stay alert and adhere to any local guidelines. For up-to-date information on current wildfire conditions in Florida, visit tinyurl.com/mt94pdfa. For wildfire prevention tips, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com.

🚩Red Flag Warning🚩 Drought conditions, low humidity and winds have led @NWS to issue Red Flag Warnings for most of North Florida today and much of Central and Southwest Florida tomorrow. Officials do not recommend any outdoor burning; 32 Florida counties have current burn bans.

Resources on scene include 15 firefighting tractor-plow units creating firebreak contingency lines, with other crews patrolling the perimeter. Air resources include two airtankers making fire-retardant drops, two helicopters assisting with bucket drops, and fixed-wing recon.

A large wildfire is affecting two FFS districts at 2,700 acres along the eastern border of Putnam & Clay counties. North in Clay County, the Crews Road Fire is 1,700 acres with 0% containment. South in Putnam County, the Railroad Complex Fire is 1,000 acres and 5% containment.

For further updates, please follow @FFS_cafc

🔥Wildfire Update🔥 FFS is working to suppress the wildfire on Picayune Strand State Forest. FFS has 30 personnel on scene & 75 resources to battle the fire. There are also 2 helicopters and 2 air tankers making drops on the blaze. Location: Naples Acres: 1,733 Containment: 60%

Today, eight strike teams — four from each state — are actively working the fire.

🔥Wildfire Update – Sargent Fire (FL/GA)🔥 4,000 acres; Began April 2 in Baker County Most of the fire is in Florida, but it has crossed into south Georgia. FFS and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) are in the process of establishing a Unified Type 3 Incident Management Team.

🚩As drought conditions and wildfire dangers grow in Florida, it’s important to follow all notices and warnings. Some frequently used terms are listed in the graphic below. Visit tinyurl.com/mt94pdfa for current wildfire conditions. Learn more tips at BeWildfireReadyFL.com.

With the recent uptick in wildfires, FFS is urging residents to use caution with outdoor burning & prepare homes. April-June is the height of Florida's wildfire season, so it's important to create a buffer & protect your home from wildfire. Visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com for more.

🔥 Never throw cigarette butts out of a vehicle. 🔥 Avoid driving or parking on dry grass – hot exhaust can spark fires. 🔥 Firmly secure all vehicle chains and hitches that can cause sparks. For more tips, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com

FFS has recorded over 650 wildfires since Jan. 1, burning approximately 21,000 acres. Now, 34 counties have current burn bans. An active burn ban prohibits campfires, bonfires, burning yard waste, and other open fires. These bans do not include authorized outdoor burning.

🚨Wildfire Dangers Grow as Drought Worsens With much of the state in extreme drought conditions, FFS is urging everyone to be mindful & follow any county-imposed burn bans. Any fire that starts in these conditions could quickly get out of control and endanger property or lives.