Offers Fire Safety Tips for Florida Residents
Tallahassee, FL – As several wildfires continue to burn across the state, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is urging residents to use caution while enjoying outdoor activities this holiday weekend.
“The small amount of rain we have received recently is not enough to end the drought in many areas,” Commissioner Putnam said. “Enjoy our great outdoors this holiday weekend, but please be very careful with all outdoor fires.”
Fire safety tips:
- Clear campfires down to bare soil. Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Be careful with gas lanterns, grills, gas stoves or anything that could be a source of ignition for a wildfire.
- Dispose of charcoal briquettes properly.
- Make sure you have a properly working spark arrester on lawn mowers, motorcycles, ATV’s, chainsaws and other equipment. Sparks can easily start a fire during dry conditions.
- Obey local burn bans and follow local outdoor burning rules. You could be charged for the cost of suppressing a wildfire and damage to property if your fire escapes.
- Be careful with fireworks. Sparks landing on dry vegetation can easily start a fire.
- Be careful where you park your car. Tall grass can easily be ignited from a hot catalytic converter.
- Dispose of cigarettes properly. Never throw them from your vehicle.
Since January 1, the Florida Forest Service has responded to 1,454 wildfires that have burned 37,364 acres. The Florida Forest Service manages more than 1 million acres of public forest land while protecting 26 million acres of homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire. For statewide wildfire updates, visit www.floridaforestservice.com. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com or follow us on Twitter @FDACSNews.
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