In the last week wildfires have closed a section of I-75 – sending thousands of motorists out of their way - and burned 275 acres in Lehigh Acres. The culprit…a combination of careless humans, a stiff breeze and unusually dry weather. Jerry LaCavera is with the Florida Division of Forestry.

“it isn’t normal conditions right now. We were just told by the National Weather Service that the period between February and March is the third driest on record in Florida’s history. The only periods that we had drier weather than we have right now are in 1927 and 1931.”

85 firefighters battled Monday night’s blaze in Lehigh Acres. Twelve outbuildings and a boat and trailer were destroyed. Fortunately, no one was injured. The cause is under investigation. LaCavera says the smallest spark – including carelessly tossed cigarette butts – can start a fire under such dry conditions. Lee County has issued a ban on outdoor burning until further notice.