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Highlands Today

Fire Warnings Need To Be Taken Seriously

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Highlands Today Staff

Published: May 17, 2008

Monday's small brushfire in Avon Park Estates will hopefully serve as a reminder for residents to be prepared.

To see just how devastating brushfires can be, check what happened in Brevard County last week. All it took apparently was tossing a cigarette and the result was thousands of acres of land burned, 30 homes destroyed, 140 structures damaged, people displaced and lives impacted for years to come.

Although May is officially the last month of the brushfire season, the threat of fire is still very possible in many parts of the state. It has been dry – as evidenced by lawns turning brown – and will likely continue to remain that way. May is traditionally one of the driest months of the year in Florida.

Although the official start of the hurricane season is only two weeks away, the pattern of daily afternoon showers will not necessarily begin June 1. It could be a few more weeks until the much-needed summer rains come and begin to fill lakes, rivers and canals.

There are many things residents can do – both inside and outside– to reduce their risk, according to the Red Cross and fire officials.

Begin outside by creating a 30- to 100-foot safety zone around a home to reduce potential exposure to flames and heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet.

Other suggestions include:

Rake leaves, dead limbs, twigs and clear all flammable vegetation; remove leaves and rubbish from under structures; remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground; Remove dead branches that extend over the roof; regularly clean roof and gutters; prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet; ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging people around the state to be extremely cautious about their outdoor activities .

"People don't realize how many fires are started by a spark from a piece of equipment outdoors," Bronson said. "Right now the conditions are such that the public needs to be extremely cautious with equipment, with outdoor barbecues and remember not to throw lit materials out the car window."

Highlands County has once again been fortunate to seemingly avoid a difficult brushfire season. We can be thankful for that.

But remember, it's not over yet.

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