Florida’s top forestry officials have issued urgent warnings about a significantly heightened wildfire risk this winter, describing conditions as the driest in recent memory and urging residents and authorities to take precautions.

The Florida Forest Service reported that its firefighters have already responded to more than three thousand wildfires this year, far above the typical annual figure of about two thousand, as dry soils and above-normal drought conditions pervade much of the state.

January and the early months of 2026 are expected to be similarly dry, a trend that could further intensify fire dangers across both rural and suburban regions of the Sunshine State.

Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service, said there has been little measurable rainfall in the recent forecast period, meaning fuels such as grasses, leaves and underbrush remain extremely dry and prone to ignition.

County burn bans remain in effect in many parts of the state as officials stress that even small sparks from backyard debris burning, outdoor equipment or discarded cigarettes can trigger significant blazes under current conditions.

Wildfires have already ignited across multiple counties, and fire crews are maintaining elevated preparedness and response capabilities.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson echoed the call for vigilance, noting that human-caused ignitions contribute to the majority of wildfires and that collective public caution is vital to reducing unnecessary fire starts.

State authorities have also invested in modern firefighting technologies and expanded prescribed burn programs designed to manage fuel loads safely and reduce the likelihood of uncontrolled fires.

The warnings come against the backdrop of ongoing drought impacts across Florida and projections that below-average precipitation could persist into the traditional spring fire season, raising concerns among emergency planners and communities alike.