Florida approves new warning signs for controlled burns

Florida will start using new signs on roadways near controlled burns to alert people to potential danger from thick smoke. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said this week that yellow roads signs that read “Prescribed Burn” and “Fire, Smoke Area” will soon be appearing along major roadways when a prescribed burn is taking place. The purpose of the new yellow signs is to let motorists know that because a prescribed or controlled burn is taking place in the area, a shift in wind could affect visibility and to inform drivers that there’s no need to call 911 because the fire is already being managed. Bronson said drivers should use caution when they see any of the prescribed burn or smoke related warning signs as smoke can produce white out conditions almost instantaneously with a sudden shift in wind direction. If motorists encounter smoke on highways, they should slow down but avoid slamming on the brakes, turn on low-beam headlights, leave extra space between vehicles and turn on flashers if forced to pull off the road. Drifting smoke tends to settle in low-lying areas after dark, which is why most smoke-related accidents occur in the early morning hours.