Dry February sparks over 55 brush fires in DeSoto County

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. — DeSoto County fire crews have responded to more than 55 brush fires since the start of February, as extremely dry conditions and gusty winds create dangerous fire weather across the area.

Fire Chief Chad Jorgensen says this has been one of the driest Februarys he can remember.

“Since February 1, we’ve run in excess of 55 fires,” Jorgensen said. “Not all of those fires have been huge fires for sure, but some of them have been big enough where we’ve had water drops from helicopters.”

Jorgensen says what makes this season especially concerning is how quickly fires are spreading.

“The breeze is beautiful,” he said. “But it really takes a brush fire, and it’s like pouring gasoline on a brush fire.”

He explained that low humidity and dry vegetation mean even small flames can escalate rapidly.

“It takes very little to get going, and it goes so much quicker,” Jorgensen said.

In one case, a seemingly minor burn turned into a major emergency.

“That was a guy burning boxes in a 55-gallon barrel,” Jorgensen said. “Next thing he knew it was a multi-acre brush fire that was endangering structures.”

The chief says fires like that stretch resources thin, especially when multiple incidents happen at once.

“We still have medical facilities that we have to transport from… our staff is getting stretched very thin,” Jorgensen said.

He added that one brush truck has already been destroyed by fire this season.

Despite the growing number of fires, some residents say they were unaware of just how serious the situation has become.

“No, I didn’t know that,” said DeSoto County neighbor Maron Porter when told about the spike in brush fires.

Standing near dry grass in his neighborhood, Porter said the conditions are more obvious once you look closely.

“Look at this grass over here,” Porter said. “It is like literally dry right now.”

Porter said the combination of dry vegetation and wind is concerning, as it could lead to a fire if one sparks.

“I don’t want us to burn like California,” he said.

DeSoto County remains under a burn ban due to high fire danger.

Jorgensen says the message to residents is simple: don’t burn anything.

“You don’t want to be the cause of somebody else not getting service,” he said.

He says even small campfires, burn barrels, or improperly discarded cigarette butts can quickly spiral out of control in these conditions.

“The best thing that folks can do for us right now is just not burn,” Jorgensen said. “The rains will be here sometimes—but right now, it’s just too dry.”

Fire officials say prevention is key as Southwest Florida continues through peak dry season.