JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The drought index throughout the First Coast indicates the ground is more saturated than normal for the winter, yet thousands of acres continue to burn and the fire danger is considered "very high."
According to the Division of Forestry, there are a few factors other than moisture that make conditions possible.
The Keetch-Byrum Drought Index measures the amount of moisture in soil and nearby layers that is readily available to vegetation. Current conditions in Nassau County have the highest saturation, with an index of 154 out of 800 (800 being totally dry).
Duval County has an index of 159 and Clay County is at 225.
The normal readings for winter in the area are between 221 and 390.
The Fire Danger Index also factors in relative humidity, which is fairly high today, also working against wildfires.
However, the fire danger rating analyzes factors beyond those which help fires start.
Because of wind conditions prevalent around the area during the past few days, controlling any existing fires becomes a problem; fires are burning in Brevard and St. Johns counties in Florida and Charlton County in Georgia.
Winds blowing the smoke from the fire caused the serious traffic problems in southern St. Johns County Monday.
The relatively small fire began Sunday in a wooded, unpopulated area, and spread rapidly Monday as winds blew and shifted. That led to the closure of Interstate 95, U.S. 1 and State Road 206 throughout most of Monday afternoon.
The Division of Forestry indicates 122 fires are currently burning across the state, consuming 21,202 acres.
If you wish to report a fire, contact your local forestry office as indicated on this map.
Flagler County, citing worsening conditions, has enacted an emergency burn ban that applies to all outdoor burning and covers the entire county.
The ban will be up for ratification Monday at the County Commission meeting.
Northeast winds expected through the week will push smoke from a 2,000-acre fire in St. Johns County into Flagler County.
Fire officials caution residents to call 911 if they see flames, but not for the smoke since it is expected.
First Coast News
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