Wildfire smoke causing concern around region

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. --  Massive forest fires are causing big concern throughout Northeast Florida. Fires are currently burning in five counties: Duval, Nassau, Marion, Flagler, and Volusia. 

Statewide there are a total of 41 active wildfires burning more than 2,400 acres. "It's been a little more active this year than previous years under the same conditions just because things have been a little dryer and we've had pretty strong gusty winds in our area, with low humidity," says Florida Forest Service Spokesperson Annaleasa Winter.  Those conditions are putting Tuesday's fire danger index at a very high level.

The smoke generated from the fires has also bumped up the air quality index to moderate, according to Airnow.gov.  "It's a good idea to close up all the windows, keep the house nice and tight.  If you run the air, try to circulate it indoors so it's not pulling outside air in and just don't do a lot of activity outside when smoke is an issue," says Winter.

The Florida Forest Service says to get ready for wildfire season because this is only the beginning. "We start to see an increase in activity March, April and May because of the strong winds.  It's also because of the low humidity behind these fronts and because of just the dryness that occurs this time of year we know we're going to be busy and were anticipating it," she says.