Wildfires

There were no structures in danger, fire officials said.

Florida had a wetter winter than last year, but state officials are advising people to prepare for drier conditions that will increase chances of wildfires. The Division of Emergency Management lists the current threat of wildfires across the state as “low,” but Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said Wednesday people should limit debris on their properties as wildfire season begins.

Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity beginning Monday. During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.

This time of year, when there is still some moisture in the backwoods, yet it hasn’t been raining every day, creates perfect conditions for professional firefighters to light a “controlled” or “prescribed” fire.

A fast-moving wildfire that incinerated much of the compact coastal settlement of Lahaina on Maui last week has multiplied concerns that any homes rebuilt there will be targeted at affluent outsiders seeking a tropical haven. That would turbo-charge what is already one of Hawaii’s gravest and biggest challenges: the exodus and displacement of Native Hawaiian and local-born residents who can no longer afford to live in their homeland.

Big Cypress National Preserve has issued temporary trail closures for visitor safety during prescribed fire activity beginning Monday and continuing through June 18, for the East Hinson and Airplane areas.

With more than half of the nearly 20,000-acre Sandy Fire now contained officials on Monday rescinded the evacuation plan put in place days ago. All residents within the impacted area have been updated on the change in evacuation status.

As of Sunday night, the Sandy Fire was reported at 19,814 acres and 45% contained. Ground and aviation resources will continue operations Monday, continuing to hold and improve control lines around the fire.

The Florida Highway Patrol closed a 58-plus mile portion of 41, from Krome Avenue in Dade to State Road 29 in Collier on Friday and Saturday to ensure the safety of travelers as well as for the firefighters working along the roadside.Friday's closure ran several hours and the FHP on Saturday said it anticipated another multi-hour closure.