This week is Florida wildfire awareness week

This week is Florida Wildfire Awareness week – a time for homeowners to make sure their homes are as safe as possible from wildfires.

To help, the Florida Department of Agriculture has released tips for how residents can protect their homes from the threat of fire during what is expected to be a very active wildfire season. 

Because of Florida’s recent dry conditions and winter freezes this year, the Division of Forestry has responded to 13 percent more wildfires than during an average year, which are burning 23 percent more acreage.  

The Division so far this year has suppressed several large wildfires, including the Iron Horse Fire that burned more than 17,000 acres.

The Department of Agriculture is urging Floridians to take some simple steps to protect their homes.

Remove leaves, pine needles, twigs and palm fronds from roofs and gutters, Clear any burnable materials like wood piles and dead plants from the sides of the home and clean, mow and water the area 30 feet around your home to prevent leading wildfires from the woods to your door.

Also use extra caution when doing anything that can cause a spark to fly into dry vegetation, never leave a fire unattended and if you and if you see any suspicious wildfire activity call the Department’s Arson Alert Hotline 1-800-342-5869.

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