NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information
Several large wildfires occurred in the Great Lakes region this spring due to dryer than normal winter conditions. The lack of spring rain and snow left herbaceous vegetation vulnerable to fire (NIFC).
A brush fire in Florida on April 11th burned around 500 acres causing traffic disruption.
In Dare County, North Carolina, at least 2840 acres had been burned as of Tuesday May 13th and the fire was not yet under control. The fire started on a bombing range and very quickly spread engaging at least five firefighting departments from around the area.
Prolonged drought in many western states may contribute to an above average wildfire season in parts of the U.S, though it is not expected to be as severe as 2002 according to the National Interagency Fire Center.