Forest officials warn parts of U.S., including Central Florida, at high risk of wildfires [Video]

Lawmakers came together this week to discuss the growing risk of wildfires across the U.S.

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Experts say more than a billion acres of land across the country are at risk for wildfires.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the risk is also high in Central Florida.

See: Rocket club accidentally starts 50-acre brush fire in ‘The Compound’ in Palm Bay

They said urbanization and a changing climate are leading to longer, hotter wildfire seasons.

There’s now a big push on Capitol Hill to be proactive on treatment.

Read: Florida officials warn residents to prepare for wildfire season

“In my 32 years of working for the forest service in multiple disciplines, I have not seen us at such an important inflection point, in terms of the health and long-term sustainability of these forests and the communities that depend on them,” said Chris French with the U.S. Forest Service.

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