NORTHWEST FLORIDA WILDFIRE THREAT

The Florida’s Forest Service says the lack of rain has significantly increased the potential for wildfires in northwest Florida. It’s been nearly two weeks since the last appreciable rainfall hit much of Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties and officials with the Florida’s Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center are concerned. A weather pattern of dry, hot air has established itself in recent weeks and is forecast to continue. Blackwater Forestry officials are urging residents not to do outdoor burning until rain occurs.