Although Florida forests may look harmless and peaceful, they are the perfect setting for dangerous wildfires.
The Florida Forest Service and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson sent out a serious warning on April 7.
Department officials said the lack of rain and gusty winds, combined with dry conditions, can cause forest fires in the Tampa Bay Area and throughout the state.
They asked residents and visitors to be laser-focused when it comes to wildfires.
Florida homeowner Peter Purdy said he is concerned with potential damages.
“Yeah, I think you know, with global warming, that’s a big part of it,” Purdy said. “It [the world] is changing, and we can see it.”
Forest Service officials said although Florida’s wildfire season is year-round, it is heightened during the dry season — which is from now until June.
The difference this year is that the department has detected an “above normal wildfire potential,” according to a press release from April 7.
Forest Service officials also said debris from last year’s hurricane season can fuel fires in wooded areas.
Tampa renter Brianna Ponton said humans play a big role in starting fires — making them “the worst.”
“Guys, don’t flick your cigarettes on the road,” Ponton said. “I mean, that’s how a lot of these things start.”
In June, the rainy season will kick in.
But until then, Florida residents and visitors must be extra vigilant, the Forest Service urged.
Officials said people can help keep their homes safe from wildfires by mowing their lawns in the morning when humidity is high.
Cleaning roofs and gutters and removing branches close to your home is also a good idea.
“Don’t wait until you see smoke in the air — create a defensible space around your yard, prepare your homes, make an emergency supply kit, and obey local burn laws,”Commissioner Simpson said in the press release.
Florida residents can visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website and check the Fire Danger Map, which shows which areas are more prone to fires.
The map is updated two times a day to ensure residents are safe.
Credits:
Reporter: Ayla Yeeba
Reporter: Madison Gotham
Web Editor: Clara Rokita Garcia