Heighten Your wildfire Awareness

For Immediate Release                                                             Todd W. Schroeder

January 20, 2012                                                                                           Florida Forest Service

                               Heighten Your Awareness

Over the past couple of years Florida has seen very little relief from drought conditions.  Over this extended period conditions have become more severe increasing the risk for wildfires to occur.  Recent rainfall has not noticeably improved these conditions.  Swampy areas normally holding water this time of year are found to be bone dry and have become tinderboxes themselves.   This was illustrated early this week when a wildfire broke out in Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County.  In two days the fire grew from 50 acres to over 460 acres.  Message delivered: when swampland burns with such ease dryness is super critical.

Florida’s year round fire season normally sees its peak between April and June.  This year we are seeing significant fire activity in the state in early January.  What does all this mean?  It means that we need to heighten our awareness and remain very careful with the use of fire outdoors.

When you burn outdoors:

·         You must have adequate water resources on-site ready to respond.

·         If you light a fire you must “Stay With It” until it is dead out.

·         Postpone burning on windy days.

·         Meet all the requirements and setbacks for burning yard trash.

·         Keep your rooftops clean and remove all dry dead material from your property.

·         Keep the area surrounding your home green and clean.

We are the stewards of the land; please protect it from the destruction a wildfire can cause.  If you have any doubts about safe practices please call the local Florida Forest Service office (850) 488-1871.

XXX

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