Dry conditions, dozens of brush fires lead Scott to declare state of emergency

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in Florida on Tuesday after numerous wildfires burned across the state and a high potential for increased wildfires remained for the foreseeable future.

Florida wildfires have already burned 250 percent more acreage during the first three months of 2017 than during the same period last year.

There are more than 100 active wildfires across more than 20,000 acres in Florida.

Smoke from brush fires closed portions of State Road 528 and State Road 50 early Tuesday in Orange and Brevard counties.

“Much of Central and South Florida are approaching drought-like conditions and the chances for wildfires are continuing to increase with hotter temperatures and low rainfall," Scott said. "This may only get worse as we enter the hotter summer months and it is crucial that we take every action right now to be prepared."

Without significant rain forecast in the near future, dry conditions will continue to pose a serious threat, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said.

"The fear is that we are already in extremely dry conditions," he said. "We are already seeing a record number of fires and we don't see any relief in sight."

WFTV meteorologists are monitoring the smoky conditions from the area's brush fires.

Cox Media Group