Florida Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Wildfires

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Florida based on the recent wildfires that that have swept through the state, including parts of Miami-Dade County. Fires have burned more than 250 percent more acreage this year than the same period last year. There were more than 100 active wildfires burning across some 20,000 acres even as the governor took action.

A wildfire at Big Cypress Preserve recently forced multiple closures to part of Tamiani Trail not far from Miami and officials at Everglades National Park at one point prepared for the possibility that a wildfire might reach park land.

“As wildfires impact our state, our incredible firefighters and first responders have bravely rushed to aid our communities and worked tirelessly to protect our homes and families," the governor said in declaring thestate of emergency. "Last month I traveled to Collier County with Commissioner Putnam to see the impacts of one of these wildfires firsthand and we have continued to monitor the growing number of fires across the state. I’ve continued to be in contact with Commissioner Putnam and local officials about the wildfires across the state and today I am declaring a state of emergency in Florida to ensure we are ready to respond to and prepare for these fires."

State officials also pointed to the high potential for increased wildfires to continue this year as forecasts call for hotter and drier conditions than normal in Florida over the coming months.

“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. It is incredibly important that wildfire response is swift and deliberate and this state of emergency will make it easier for our state, regional and local agencies to quickly work together to protect our families, visitors and communities.”

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam added that state officials have not seen this active of a wildfire season 2011.

"From St. George Island in the Panhandle to a wildfire just north of one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions in Orlando, we’re seeing that every area of our state is susceptible to wildfire," Putnam said. "I thank Gov. Scott for signing this executive order, which will ensure we have every resource available to us to combat these wildfires to protect life, property and wildlife. May God bless our brave firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect us.”

Photo courtesy of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue