Drought coupled with vegetation killed by the late January freeze has left much of Florida primed for wildfires.

The Florida Forest Service has recorded over 650 wildfires since the first of the year, burning approximately 21,000 acres. In the first 15 days of February, 85 wildfires burned more than 16,000 acres.

While Florida is the lightning capital of the United States, arson and escaped yard debris burning are the two leading causes of wildfires in Florida, the Florida Forest Service website warns.

Florida residents are cautioned to be careful with anything that could cause a fire. A cigarette or even cigarette ash could ignite dry brush. So could the hot exhaust pipe from a vehicle on dry grass. 

Dave Grubich of the Florida Forest Service said the investigation of any fire with a suspicious cause is turned over to the Florida Department of Agriculture Office of Law Enforcement.

Grubich said violation of the burn bans could result in some heavy fines, including reimbursement to the Florida Forest Service for costs associated with containing the blaze.  

Those who start fires could also face civil and criminal penalties.

As of Feb. 17, all the counties surrounding Lake Okeechobee -- Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, Palm Beach and Martin -- were under burn bans. Burn bans prohibit activities such as campfires, bonfires, burning yard waste, and other open fires. The only exceptions are controlled burns with permits from Florida Forest Service.

Under county ordinances, burn ban violations could result in fines of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail in Okeechobee, Glades and Palm Beach counties. In Hendry County, the fine for a burn ban violation is $500, with a $2,500 fine for a second offense.

The Florida Forestry Arson Alert Association offers rewards for information leading to the apprehension of an arsonist. The Arson Alert Hotline is 1-800-342-5869.

Burn bans are in effect in areas shown in solid red. Counties with red stripes have year round restrictions on open burning. [Art courtesy Florida Forest Service]