Wildfires

A new brush fire broke out earlier this afternoon in Alachua County causing a road closure, reduced visibility, and reduced air quality.

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.

Florida's air quality did not improve in the findings of the most recent report by the American Lung Association. One reason was wildfires, which are persisting throughout the state.

The Florida Forest Service reports more than 130 wildfires are burning across the Sunshine State and have consumed at least 25,000 acres.

More than 100 wildfires are actively burning across Florida, with the largest greatest impacts reported across the northern part of the state.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning – the highest weather risk for wildfires – for several counties across the greater area. The warning expires at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Wildfire activity is increasing across Florida as significant drought conditions persist, with more than 100 fires burning nearly 12,000 acres.

A 1,733-acre wildfire was being fought in the Picayune Strand State Forest on Monday afternoon. The fire was south of Alligator Alley and prompted a warning from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Newman Drive wildfire near Naples prompts evacuations. Limited visibility is possible overnight due to the smoke, and the east winds will move the smoke plume toward the Metro Southwest Coast of Florida.

Over 1,500 wildfires have burned over 54,000 acres in Florida since January, and the peak of wildfire season is likely to be more active due to the drought and intense heat.

Despite recent rain, officials say historic cold fronts through the winter, now coupled with an extreme drought, are increasing the risk of wildfires to Floridians.

Despite rains that extremely dry ground siphoned up almost as soon as it fell Thursday, Friday and Saturday, several brush fires still managed to erupt across the area.