The Brief
- The Myakka River District of the Florida Forest Service continues to respond to daily wildfire calls as a drought remains.
- A 5-acre wildfire broke out Monday afternoon in Sarasota County, drawing a rapid response from fire crews.
- Officials are urging extreme caution with fireworks and outdoor equipment with the Independence Day holiday less than two weeks away.
SARASOTA, Fla – Fire crews are battling daily wildfire outbreaks along the Florida coastline as a persistent summer drought creates fire dangers. The Florida Forest Service is warning the public to use caution with outdoor tools and holiday celebrations as Independence Day approaches.
Florida drought dangers
What we know:
It is incredibly hot outside, and an ongoing drought has contributed to wildfire dangers across the region. The Myakka River District with the Florida Forest Service reports that emergency fire calls pop up every single day. Officials state that areas west of the interstate along the coastline are sitting six to seven inches below normal rainfall levels.
On Monday afternoon, lines at the Florida Forest Service started going off as a 5-acre fire broke out near Winchester Boulevard and South River Road in Sarasota County.…