Extreme drought fuels wildfires across Florida
Red flag warnings and burn bans have been issued in dozens of counties to prevent the spread of flames statewide
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – As the statewide drought in Florida intensifies, hundreds of wildfires have ignited. One wildfire burned through the Big Cypress National Preserve on Feb. 22, with more than 35,000 acres of land turned to a crisp—about twice the size of Manhattan—for approximately nine days. The fire rapidly grew, interrupting traffic on Interstate 275.
The fires span the state, from South Florida to the Panhandle. In Panacea, a wildfire ravaged 5,000 acres of land—roughly the size of John F. Kennedy International Airport. In Calhoun County, a 500-acre wildfire burned down 16 homes. On the Florida-Georgia border, a 4,000-acre wildfire ignited on April 3.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 67% of Florida has been experiencing extreme drought conditions as of early March. The conditions fueling these fires stretch far beyond a single region.
The Florida Forest Service documents about 20 active fires throughout the state on a daily basis. During the last week of February, a total of 617 fires were suppressed.
Experts say they haven’t seen conditions like this since 2001.
David Zierden, a climatologist at Florida State University, said fires like the one in Big Cypress are worse than usual this year because of the dry conditions, which increase the likelihood of large wildfires.
Zierden said the Big Cypress fire is out of the norm.
The severe dry period began following Florida’s 2025 hurricane season.
Zierden said the drought is a result of the absence of hurricanes, following unusually cool waters in the Gulf. From June through November, potential storms shifted to the East Coast instead of making landfall in Florida. In addition, the current La Niña phase in the Pacific Ocean has led to a dry winter, causing temperatures to drop to life-threatening levels from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3.
The resulting fires prompted state officials to take action.
On Feb. 9, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 67 counties to address the extreme drought and an estimated 120 wildfires. This declaration empowers the governor to enforce emergency policies for the safety and protection of affected counties. The total number of fires increased to about 650 by late February.
Paul Close, lead forecaster for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said these weather conditions dry out vegetation. Data from the National Interagency Fire Center show that trees, grass, and brush lose moisture and die.
Karl Grooms, a farmer at Fancy Farms in Polk County, said he lost nearly 75% of his strawberry harvest to cold weather this year.
“Most of my crops froze three weeks ago, and I’d usually have red berries to pick today or tomorrow. But they’re dead,” Grooms said.
Dead crops don’t just hurt farmers—they become highly flammable fuel for wildfires.
“Any little spark or ignition source can generate a fire, which can be devastating,” said Jason Kreisle, senior forest ranger for Pinellas and Hillsborough counties with the Florida Forest Service.
As dry conditions worsen and wildfires continue to spread, the National Weather Service issued Red Flag warnings for 33 Florida counties in the final week of February.
Close said this alert is issued when humidity levels drop to 35% and winds reach speeds of 15 miles per hour or greater, allowing wildfires to spread rapidly.
Wildfires during these conditions pose a high risk not only to plants but also to animals, infrastructure, and people.
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, habitats and food sources are lost in the flames, forcing animals to relocate to unfamiliar areas. This exposes them to dangers such as starvation, predators, and traffic. Some wildlife can also become trapped in fires, leading to death.
On Feb. 26, in Brevard County, a fire burned across 20 acres, forcing two people to evacuate their home.
Another fire nearby ignited at the same time near Holy Trinity School, prompting a shelter-in-place order.
As of March 5, the Florida Forest Service issued burn bans in 32 counties, forbidding residents from outdoor burning to prevent further spread. Violators may face fines of up to $500 or jail time in some areas, including Highlands and Polk counties.
Kreisle said public cooperation is critical.
“It’s about people being vigilant and not burning anything or doing any activities outside that could create a fire hazard,” Kreisle said.
The National Weather Service advises homeowners to clear gutters and yards of debris such as pine needles, sticks, and leaves. Trees six to 10 feet tall should be trimmed, and households should have a disaster plan in place. People in high-risk areas should avoid using charcoal grills and disposing of cigarettes outdoors.
Experts say the extreme dry conditions and their consequences are unlikely to improve until Florida’s summer rainy season begins in late May or early June.
“It could get worse before it gets better,” Zierden said.
Big Cypress National Preserve wildfire
U.S. Drought Monitor map of Florida
Dry, dead grass in Pasco County, FL.
