Florida’s Wildfire Risk Rises as Dry Conditions Persist

TALLAHASSEE, FL — With an estimated 33 wildfires burning across the state and conditions ripe for more, officials are warning residents to exercise caution when burning outdoors.

“Florida’s wildland firefighters will likely battle additional wildfires in the coming weeks due to continued dry conditions,” Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said in a statement. “Citizens can do their part to stop preventable wildfires by using extreme caution with outdoor fires.”

So far this year, the Florida Forest Service and its partners have tackled 2,489 wildfires that have damaged 69,467 acres, Putnam's office reports. Over the past three weeks alone, an estimated 20 homes have been threatened by the fires.

The state estimates that nearly 20 percent of its wildfires are caused by yard trash burns that have embers escape. Human carelessness, in fact, is the leading cause of wildfires in the Sunshine State, Putnam said.

“When citizens are careful with fire, they are doing more than just protecting themselves and their property,” Jim Karels, Florida State Forester, said in a statement. “They are helping to protect the lives of Florida’s wildland firefighters and first responders.”

To ensure proper caution is exercised, the state asks those who use fire outdoors, including grills, camp fires and burn piles, to:

• Never leave a heat source or fire unattended
• Avoid burning items on windy, dry days
• Keep a water source or fire-suppression tool on hand
• Make certain fires meet the state’s requirements for setbacks
• For burn piles larger than 8 feet or acreage burns, residents should call the Florida Forest Service for authorization
• Make sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving

For more information on wildfires, county burn bans and fire dangers, visit the state’s website.

Rain chances in the Tampa Bay area remain slight through the week, according to the National Weather Service. The state reports mostly dry conditions are expected to continue through Veterans Day at least.

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