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Lack Of Rain, Windy Conditions Makes Fla.'s Risk Of Wildfire High

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS4) -- State officials say the danger of wildfire is very high throughout Florida due to a lack of rain, low humidity and windy conditions.

Florida Division of Forestry director Jim Karels says people planning to visit forests or parks over the holiday weekend should call ahead to learn whether campfires or charcoal grills are permitted.

Burn bans are in place in several counties, including Baker, Citrus, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Osceola, Palm Beach, Putnam, Seminole, St. Lucie and Volusia.

Forestry officials say 2,664 wildfires have burned 128,675 acres throughout Florida since Jan. 1. That's nearly twice as many fires as the Division of Forestry responded to during the same period last year.

For more wildfire information, visit www.fl-dof.com/wildfire/information.html.

(© 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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