For several days now, we have had reduced visibility and a slight campfire smell in the air as Dewees and most of our coastal area is experiencing a wind pattern that is bringing us smoke from the wildfires burning in Florida.  Last night, visibility was really low in the evening hours as we made our way home from dinner at Morgan Creek.

According to the Florida Times-Union, out of Jacksonville,

The 2011 wildfire season has already burned over 200,000 acres in Florida, compared to less than 40,000 acres in 2010. The largest source of smoke is from the Honey Prairie fire in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

The Post and Courier published this National Weather Service report,

.. Smoke from distant wildfires will impact southeast South
Carolina and southeast Georgia today…

Surface observations and expected wind directions indicate that
smoke being generated from wildfires across southern Georgia and
northern Florida will continue to impact the area today. Visibilities
will generally fall no lower than 3 miles… but will be reduced
to less than 1 mile at times in a few places… mainly south of
Interstate 16 in Georgia which is closer to the smoke source.

Precautionary/preparedness actions..

People who have respiratory ailments that can be triggered by smoke
should consider staying indoors. Motorists should also be alert
for sudden changes in visibility… and are urged to drive with
extreme care.

If you observe low visibilities… contact the National Weather
Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2724. You can also email your
report to chs.Skywarn@noaa.Gov or send a tweet #wxreport.

This map shows the astonishing number of wildfires affecting Jacksonville.