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Hernando Today

Smoky conditions persist in county

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By HERNANDO TODAY STAFF

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 14, 2009

People with respiratory problems are urged to stay indoors because of smoky conditions caused by multiple wildfires burning in eastern and central Florida and two brush fires in Hernando County.

Winds blowing from the east may cause smoke to linger the next few days.

Although Hernando County received some rainfall this week, conditions are still extremely dry, and the chances for wildfires occurring are high, according to a county press release.
County firefighters say the two brush fires that broke out Tuesday in Hernando County are now under control.

Below-average rainfall in the peninsular part of the state, coupled with freezes earlier this year, has left Florida's vegetation ripe for wildfires, according to the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Low relative humidity and gusty winds that the region has been experiencing provide ideal conditions for wildfires to start easily, intensify quickly and move rapidly. Over the Mother's Day weekend, 63 new wildfires broke out, burning more than 2,500 acres.

Since Jan. 1, Florida has had more than 2,000 wildfires that have burned almost 56,000 acres, the FDACS said.

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