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Higher fire danger in Northeast Florida with dry conditions in forecast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The lack of rain has brought very dry conditions in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, and it’s already putting firefighters on notice.

There are 115 active wildfires in Florida alone, burning more than 29,000 acres.

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A wildfire burned nearly 13 acres near Atlantic Boulevard and Leon Road on Saturday, threatening several homes.

A Florida Forest Service helicopter dumped 11 buckets of water on a Southside Estates fire Saturday.

It’s a reminder, said Noah Wyatt, a wildland firefighter with the Florida Forest Service, that we all need to be alert.

“We really need some long-term sustained rains in order for us to change this drought in this wildfire pattern we're in right now,” Wyatt said.

According to First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh, relief won’t come any time soon.

“We would expect to see the peak of the wildfire season go for another solid four to six weeks at least,” Buresh said.

Right now, there are burn bans in Baker, Nassau and Putnam counties.

It’s already illegal to burn yard debris in Duval County. It’s also illegal to burn household trash anywhere in Florida.

Wyatt urges people to watch their outdoor activities.

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“Riding your four-wheelers in the woods can cause fires right now. Even (something) as simple as mowing your lawn can cause a fire right now,” Wyatt said.

Wyatt said the key is to be prepared but he wants people to be on the lookout especially in counties where there’s a burn ban in place.

“Keep in mind that when you're driving down the road when you're watching for smoke and signs if you see any fire activity, make sure you call 911,” Wyatt said.

Clay County currently does not have a burn ban, but if you are going to burn yard debris, you have to follow state and local statutes. Same goes for St. Johns County.

In counties that allow yard debris burning, you can only burn what grows naturally on your property.