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Florida Matters: How Wildfires Impact Our State

State officials say Florida is having one of its worst wildfire seasons in years. This week on Florida Matters we're talking about the impact these fires have on the state's environment and economy, and whether there's an end in sight for this dry season.

Our guests include:


We also hear from state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

Have you experienced a wildfire in your area? Share your thoughts or photographs with us in the comments section below or on our Facebook page. Be sure to check out our slideshow of wildfire photos above.

You can also track ongoing fires in Florida with this map.

If you suspect arson activity in your area, contact the Florida Forestry Arson Alert Association hotline at 1-800- 342-5869. If your information leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a reward.

Chinook helicopter battles a water tower fire in Hernando County on April 9, 2017.
Florida Forest Service /
/
The Florida Channel
Chinook helicopter battles a water tower fire in Hernando County on April 9, 2017.

A wildfire burns at a sod farm in Lake County on April 15, 2017.
Florida Forest Service /
/
The Florida Channel
A wildfire burns at a sod farm in Lake County on April 15, 2017.

Bird's eye view of the Anclote Branch fire in Pasco County on May 6, 2017.
Pasco County Sheriff's Office /
/
The Florida Channel
Bird's eye view of the Anclote Branch fire in Pasco County on May 6, 2017.

Traffic at a standstill duringAnclote Branch fire in Pasco County on May 6, 2017.
Pasco County Sheriff's Office /
/
The Florida Channel
Traffic at a standstill duringAnclote Branch fire in Pasco County on May 6, 2017.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham joined in the studio by Dr. Chris Jones, economist with the University of South Florida and Judi Tear, spokesperson with the Florida Forest Service.
Stephanie Colombini / WUSF
/
The Florida Channel
Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham joined in the studio by Dr. Chris Jones, economist with the University of South Florida and Judi Tear, spokesperson with the Florida Forest Service.

Copyright 2017 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7

Stephanie Colombini joined WUSF Public Media in December 2016 as Producer of Florida Matters, WUSF’s public affairs show. She’s also a reporter for WUSF’s Health News Florida project.
Robin is Senior Editor at WUSF, spearheading the station's podcasting initiatives and helping to guide the vision for special reporting projects and creative storytelling. She hosts the weekly current affairs program, Florida Matters, on WUSF and also created The Zest, the station's podcast that's all about food, which she continues to host and serve as senior producer.