Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner - Tom A. Steckler, Director

Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
April 2006

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A Message From the Commissioner...
Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner
 

Dear Friends:

Have you ever wondered why some wildfires destroy lives and property while others do not? Fire behavior depends a lot on weather conditions. Wind can dry out grass, leaves, tree limbs and yard debris making them good fuel sources for a wildfire. Wind can also cause the fire to spread quickly. High temperatures, low relative humidity, high/low atmospheric pressure and lack of rainfall are also contributing factors to

fire behavior. These factors are what make March through June the most active part of Florida’s year round fire season.


Even though Florida is the lightning capital of the world, over 80% of Florida’s wildfires are caused by people. Arson and outdoor burning are the top two causes. On average, Florida experiences the second highest number of wildfires in the nation, approximately 5,000 wildfires per year---wildfires that destroy homes, disrupt people's lives and impact our economy.

Meteorologists are predicting a drier than normal spring for 2006 which may lead to a more active fire season during the next few months. Downed trees and debris left over from Florida’s last two hurricane seasons further increase the potential for disastrous wildfires.

We must all work together in our communities to protect both ourselves and our neighbors from this costly and potentially deadly threat. To report a wildfire, call your local Division of Forestry office or 911. If you have information on an arson fire, please call the Arson Alert Hotline 1-800-342-5869. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Sincerely,
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner

Protection.Awareness.Responsibility - Wildfire Prevention Tips

Although most of us have no intention of setting in motion the forces which could destroy hundreds of homes, lives, and thousands of acres of forest, each year Florida experiences devastating wildfires that are preventable. This is true, especially when debris is burned without the supervision of a trained professional. It is important that we all follow the rules when it comes to outdoor burning.

The Division of Forestry oversees Florida’s outdoor burning rules and regulations. You are required to get a burning authorization for most types of burning except for campfires and yard waste. Below are some quick tips for outdoor burning safety:

Outdoor Burning Tips

  • Check with your local Division of Forestry office to make sure it is legal to burn in your area and if so, what are the rules and regulations. To locate your local office, give us a call at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or visit the Division of Forestry's website.
  • Make sure you meet the required setbacks.
  • Burn only yard waste, no household garbage (includes paper products, plastic products and newspapers).
  • Don’t burn on windy days. This can cause ignited debris to blow into dry areas and ultimately cause a wildfire.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Keep a water hose and shovel handy in case your fire tries to escape.
  • Make sure your smoke does not obstruct visibility on nearby roads.
  • Be sure your fire is completely out before you leave it unattended. If your fire does escape, you may be liable for costs of suppression and damage to the property of others.

To reduce the probability of your home becoming fuel for wildfires, consider making your home Firewise. You can do this by visiting the Firewise website. There you will find information on less flammable construction materials, landscaping and how to create defensible space around your home.

With education and responsible practices, we can make a huge difference in the fight against unwanted wildfire and preserving and protecting our natural resources.

Additional Resources

The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.

Firewise
This web site contains educational information for people who live or vacation in fire-prone areas of the United States. It was designed to acquaint YOU with the challenges of living with wildland fire.

Florida Division of Forestry
Wildfires can cause major environmental, social and economic damages. The loss of timber, wildlife habitat, homes and even lives may result from a devastating wildfire. The wildfire that does not start is the one that does not have to be fought.

Smokey Bear
Only you can prevent wildfires! At this site you can find information about prescribed burning, outdoor safety, fighting fires and a o multitude of additional consumer information.

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