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Florida Burns: Record Drought Fuels Exploding Wildfires
21 Feb
Summary
- Florida faces its most severe drought in decades, igniting widespread wildfires.
- Over 900 wildfires have scorched nearly 40,000 acres since January 1.
- Central and North Florida are experiencing the most active wildfire zones.
Florida is currently experiencing its most severe drought in decades, fueling a dramatic increase in wildfire activity. As of Friday, February 21, 2026, at least 19 wildfires were actively burning, primarily in Central and North Florida, with the entire state under some level of drought.
Since the beginning of the year, Florida has witnessed over 900 wildfires, consuming nearly 40,000 acres. This intense dry spell has led to widespread vegetation primed to burn, with some fires forcing evacuations and disrupting transportation, such as the closure of portions of Interstate 95.
Many counties have implemented strict burn bans to mitigate further ignition risks. The agricultural sector is also suffering, compounded by recent unexpected subfreezing temperatures in productive farming regions. Meteorologists warn that wildfire threats can occur year-round, irrespective of traditional seasons.
Conditions are expected to persist, with forecasts indicating a potential for continued below-average precipitation across Florida. The severity of the drought, with extreme conditions affecting 67% of the state, underscores the ongoing wildfire threat.
