Red Flag Warnings issued across east Florida

Much of the eastern half of the Florida Peninsula is under a wildfire alert on Thursday, with officials urging residents to avoid outdoor burning.

The warning follows the temporary closure of 29 km (18 miles) long section of US Highway 1 due to a wildfire on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18 and 19, in southern Miami-Dade County. Another fire ignited in the same area on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Florida Forest Service, at least 57 wildfires have been reported across the state, with many now contained. In total, the fires have burned 5 898 ha (14 574 acres) of land as of Thursday.

The largest fire, named “The 344,” burning in Miami-Dade County, has scorched approximately 5 665 ha (14 000 acres) and was 20% contained.

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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