Lightning season has started - be wildfire aware

For Immediate Release
April 3, 2012

Florida Forest Service
Todd W. Schroeder
(850) 519-0666

Be Aware

This time of year it is common for severe weather to impact the Tallahassee area. We often
experience heavy rains and frequent lightening strikes. Fires caused by lightening may go
undetected initially because the burning is occurring beneath the surface of the ground burning
hot and eventually making its way to the surface and causing a wildfire.

Recently two wildfires were credited to lightening strikes in our area. One of these wildfires
burned across 82 acres of swampland. Earlier last week equipment use caused a wildfire in
Midway that burned 7.5 acres and threatened several homes.

Even with the rainfall received lately we still have new starts occurring. The rains have not
been effective in solving the dryness issue we are having.

The second week of April (9-13) marks Wildfire Awareness Week where Floridians are reminded
of the devastation caused by the wildfires in 1998 throughout the state. Almost 80% of all
wildfires in Florida are caused by human carelessness. In the Tallahassee area the number 1
cause of wildfires comes from escaped debris burning. When burning yard waste outdoors
these guidelines should be followed:


Your fire must be contained in an 8 foot diameter pile or non-combustible barrel and
must be located at least 25 feet from your house and any forestland, 50 feet from a
paved public road and 150 feet from other occupied buildings.
Avoid burning on windy days or when humidity levels are below 30%
“Stay With It”. Never leave your fire unattended. Make sure it is dead out before
leaving

Homeowners can increase their wildfire awareness by doing the following:


Clean rooftops and gutters of pine needles and branches that may easily catch fire.

Clear at least 30 ft. around your home where nothing can burn so your home becomes
more defendable in the event of wildfire.
Keep your yard mowed and clear of all dead debris.


The Florida Forest Service urges the public to remain aware of our dry conditions and be careful
in using fire outdoors.

For more information contact your local Florida Forest Service office (850) 488-1871. You may
also follow me on twitter @FFS_Leon.

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