Helicopters were brought in to help firefighters douse the flames. Meanwhile, another drought-related disaster drew public attention this week. On Wednesday, the South Florida Water Management District reported that the water level of Lake Okeechobee, a critical reservoir for residents in south and east Florida, has dropped to an all-time low of 9 feet and is still falling. The previous record-low of 9.79 feet, set in 1981, was broken in late April, the Associated Press reported. It draws thousands of fishermen from across the nation each year.
Many nearby farms rely on it for irrigation, including the large sugar cane fields in the area.
In addition, the lake is a source for drinking-water facilities that serve about 5 million people. Residents and emergency management officials are hoping the summer months, Florida's traditional rainy season, bring desperately needed rainfall. If the lake falls further and the coming rainy season, which begins with hurricane season on June 1, does not bring ample rainfall Lake Okeechobee may become unavailable to many residents who depend on it, officials say. Lake Okeechobee forms the headwaters of the Everglades.