Wildlife Awareness Week April 8-14

Wildlife Awareness Week? What is that you ask? Well, I had not heard of it before today, when I stumbled upon it myself. This week recognizes the wildfires that raged though Florida in 1998, burning more than 500,000 acres and damaging or destroying 337 homes and other structures.
Held April 8th through the 14th, this week will be dedicated to educate people on how to be prepared to protect your home or business from potential forest fires.
Here is a few statistics from a recent article posted on Florida's Agriculture website www.freshfromflorida.com
It mentions how many fires occurred last year and how there was an increase from last year.
I will be following these 5 helpful steps. The subdivision where I live is surrounded by Florida's forest and wetlands. I am hopeful that in the coming Spring and Summer months our neighbors will take head of the dry conditions that we are facing this year, and be cautious about fireworks and grills. Most of the fires were caused by human carelessness.
Please feel free to re-post, tweet, facebook, blog, or message your friends and family to spread the word about awareness this week!
Also please check out this great resourceful website www.readyforwildfire.org created by CAL FIRE last year. It has tons of information and preparedness for wildfires, like Florida does for Hurricanes!

Tallahassee, FL
“Florida is unique in that it experiences a year-round wildfire season, with heightened wildfire activity during the spring months,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. “Although we may receive sporadic rain, extended drought conditions are forecasted to persist throughout spring and into summer. Over the coming weeks and months, it is likely that Florida will experience very high to extreme wildfire danger due to these dry conditions. It is critical for Floridians to take steps to ensure their own safety.”

The department’s Florida Forest Service manages more than one million acres of public forest land and protects over 26 million acres of homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire.

Since January 1, more than 1,100 wildfires have burned nearly 20,000 acres in Florida. Most of these fires were caused by human carelessness. To prevent wildfires, follow these five simple steps:

1. Check with local authorities for any temporary restrictions on burning yard waste
2. Contain fires to an eight-foot diameter pile or non-combustible barrel at least 25 feet from forests, 25 feet from homes, 50 feet from paved public roads and 150 feet from other occupied buildings
3. Do not burn on windy days or when the humidity is below 30 percent
4. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before leaving
5. Keep a shovel and water hose handy in case a small fire escapes containment

In addition to the tips listed above, Floridians should also report any suspicious fires or fire activity to 911 or their local Florida Forest Service office.

In 2011, the Florida Forest Service responded to more than 4,700 wildfires that burned over 220,000 acres, a 32 percent increase from the previous year. Firefighters saved more than 1,100 homes and business in Florida.

For statewide wildfire updates and additional wildfire information, visit www.floridaforestservice.com or follow the department’s Florida Forest Service on Facebook or Twitter.

For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com or follow Commissioner Putnam on Facebook, or Twitter.