INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The risk for wildfire has increased, according to officials, given the extended period of cold and dry weather we’re experiencing.
“As the vegetation dies, fires can start from most accidental causes,” said Forest Area Supervisor Mike Lisiecki with the Florida Forest Service. “Even though winter wildfires tend to be smaller in size compared to spring/summer wildfires, winter wildfires can still cause injury and destruction.”
We are currently in the dry season, which means scant rain – though we did have a healthy downpour earlier this week. Paired with hurricane debris and frost-killed vegetation, officials warn residents to be vigilant against sparks that could result in fire.
State Wildland Firefighters need the public’s help. Whether it’s ensuring a campfire or debris burn of leaves and branches is completely extinguished, or keeping a vehicle well maintained to prevent sparks igniting the dry grass, following just a few simple steps can help prevent wildfires.
Florida’s wildfire season is all year long and approximately 75 percent of all wildfires in Florida are caused by human activity, the forestry said.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.