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Drought index highest in Okeechobee, Indian River counties

Posted at 5:46 PM, Mar 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-09 20:03:07-05

No question our entire state is experiencing a severe drought right now. 

Two counties in our area may be in the most danger of wildfires. Okeechobee County and Indian River County have a drought index higher than 600 which means it's very dry.

The signs are in Teresa Bishop's backyard. Her grass is brown and her pond is almost no longer a pond.

"Hope that it rains soon," says Bishop.

The conditions have gotten so bad in Okeechobee County, a burn ban was issued.

Firefighters want the public to be alert and report any fires.

"Already lost a home that was here n Okeechobee so it's happening all over the state. Homes are being lost and it can be as bad as somebody losing a home," says Deputy Chief Karl Holtkamp with Okeechobee County Fire Rescue.

Crews have been working non-stop to prevent any damage.

Teresa is also doing her part watering her lawn every now and then. "If everyone were to do the same that would be good."