JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The ongoing drought has been historic across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Factoring in the dry ground and the recent wind and cold, the risk for fires to spread is higher. We have had several reported brush fires over the past few days.
To put into perspective how dry it has been, let’s look at total rainfall from the early end of the wet season in late August through early February (Aug. 25 through Feb. 1st).
Jacksonville International Airport has received only 8.80″ of rain during that time period. That means we are 12.12″ in deficit, and it’s the second driest stretch on record for the Jacksonville area since 1871, when looking at the same time period.
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When looking back at the past year, several locations are reporting a rainfall deficit of around or above 15″
It’s important to continue to follow the following tips regarding fire weather safety.
Keep in mind several counties across the state are under a burn ban.
Counties in solid red have a burn ban. Keep in mind that yard debris burn is always prohibited in the other shaded counties.