By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-973575.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Governor Rick Scott issued an executive order on Monday, placing Florida in a state of emergency. As Sascha Cordner reports, it's due to escalating drought and fire conditions all across the state.
In his executive order, Scott cites the ongoing danger of wildfires and talked about precautions needed to protect the lives and property of Floridians. Scott also put the state's Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon in charge of the situation. Koon says he's already working with the Division of Forestry as well as other agencies.
"We're engaged with the Florida National Guard. We held a conference call with all of our county management agencies. We had this conversation with the department of transportation as well to make sure that everyone understands the current situation and what their role is going to be moving forward."
Koon says all of those resources are at their disposal to help combat the wildfires and keep them from spreading. He adds residents should do what they can to make sure they do not cause additional man-made fires.