Fire Safety urged as National Fire Prevention Week approaches

Fire Safety urged as National Fire Prevention Week approaches

POSTED 10/02/2008 - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson reminded Florida residents today that October 5-11 is National Fire Prevention Week - a week that is set aside each year to commemorate the tragic Great Chicago and Peshtigo fires of 1871, and to stress the importance of fire safety.

An estimated 2,000 lives were lost in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan in the horrific fires that occurred on October 9, 1871 during a period of extreme drought - not unlike what Florida has experienced during many of the last 18 months.

While the height of Florida's wildfire season generally takes place from March to June, Bronson said that many fires occur in the fall when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower.

"This is the time of year when fires can start and spread quickly if people aren't careful," Bronson said.

As a result, the Commissioner is urging residents to observe all state and local burning rules and regulations and to never leave a fire unattended. Residents can contact their local Florida Division of Forestry Office for information on outdoor burning regulations in their area.

In addition, Bronson is reminding residents to make sure that their houses are "Firewise Homes" - dwellings that create a defensible space around them to decrease their chances of catching fire.

"We want people to understand that conditions existing around their homes could bring a wildfire to their doorstep," Bronson said. "Many Florida homes are in danger because in our desire to live close to nature, we have created a residential landscape of highly flammable plants and shrubs."

Among "Firewise" tips offered by Bronson:

* Keep roofs cleared of flammable debris like pine straw, dead leaves and sticks.

* Landscape within a home's immediate perimeter with widely-spaced trees (at least 15 feet apart) and prune lower limbs near the home so the limbs won't act as a ladder that brings fire up to the roofline or soffits.

* Make sure that the home address is clearly visible from the street so emergency vehicles can quickly locate the home in the event of an emergency.

Homeowners wishing additional information on wildfire safety can contact their local Division of Forestry office or visit the division's website at www.fl-dof.com