Cold snap worsens wildfire risk in Southwest Florida

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — High above the forest floor, Jesse Lavender spends his days in a fire tower built in the 1950s or 1960s. The view from the top is breathtaking, stretching for miles across a beautiful forest landscape.

"We are 100 feet up in a fire tower that was built in the 50s or 60s," said Lavender, who is with the Florida Forest Service.

Life in the tower is mostly calm, but it can quickly change.

"Basically, you're spending a shift up here, and you really, know, sleeping, just kind of monitoring what's going on out on, you know, all four corners of the area," said Lavender.

The tower is about the size of a car, and the view is stunning.

"You can see for miles and miles. It's just an incredible view up here and in a real, real beautiful forest to look at," said Lavender.

However, on some days, smoke rises from the treeline, indicating a wildfire below.

At least 25 acres are currently burning, and officials warn that this season is particularly challenging.

"So we've been under a burn ban for over a couple of months now," said Matthew McElroy, Charlotte County Fire Chief.

The burn ban affects all of Southwest Florida, and the cold weather has exacerbated the situation.

"We've had a couple of good cold snaps for us this year so far down in the 30s, in that freezing temperature area for us," said McElroy.

The cold weather has dried out the area, increasing the risk of fire spread.

"It dries out the area even more than what we typically would have with the colder weather, which comes in stronger winds, which brings that potential for fire spread higher for us," said McElroy.

McElroy cautioned against starting outdoor fires despite the chill.

"What they would consider a small campfire, or just a fire outside, can get out of control. A spark can travel a quarter of a mile and then catch more areas on fire," said McElroy.

As for the rest of the season, the outlook is bleak.

"It's not looking good," said Lavender.

From the top of the tower, Lavender has two hopes.

"Pray for rain," said Lavender. "And hopefully the wind lies down a little bit more than it has been."