Dry Florida Weather Prompts Fire Warnings

Central Florida residents are on alert because of a dry spell that has contributed to a series of wildfires that ravaged several communities.

A total of 20 fires were reported in Central Florida during the weekend, WEWS-TV, Orlando, said Monday.

Among the blazes resulting from the bone-dry weather conditions was a 50-acre fire that spread across an Osceola County camping site Saturday, destroying several recreation vehicles.

While area firefighters have been able to control most of the fires, the dry conditions prompted Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to declare a state of emergency last Thursday.

Officials in Flagler County issued a warning Monday regarding a 6,500-acre wildfire.

Officials told the Orlando Sentinel while last weekend’s rainfall had weakened the fire, increasing winds in the area threaten to strengthen it and push the flames toward populated areas.