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Florida Wildfire Facts

* Florida has a 12-month wildfire season but the spring is usually the most active part of the year.
* Wildfires burn an average of 100,000 acres a year across the state.
* Although lightning starts a large number of wildfires in the spring months, arson and escaped debris burning cause the highest number of wildfires annually.
* Recent hurricane activity has resulted in a large number of downed trees and dead vegetation that adds to the wildfire danger.
* Most green plants contain a lot of water that help prevent them from igniting, however, Florida has vegetation that contains volatile chemicals that can create a very intense wildfire even when the plants are green.
* When a wildfire occurs, the weather is the most common reason for the fire to spread and intensify.
* The sea breeze is one of the most critical weather features that firefighters must deal with in Florida wildfires.
* Sea Breezes can bring shifting winds and changes in temperatures and humidity that may negatively impact firefighting operations and cause fire spread and intensification.

Make sure you know your local regulations regarding debris burning and check with your local Division of Forestry office before lighting any fires. Think before you burn! Here are some questions to consider before burning:

* Is it legal to burn in your area?
* Do you need a burn authorization?
* Do you meet the required setbacks to burn?
* Is it too windy or too dry?
* When was the last time it rained?
* What is the drought index?
* What is the relative humidity?
* Is there a fire weather / red flag warning?
* Which way will the wind carry your smoke? (Towards your house, your neighbor's house, a highway).
* Do you have equipment on hand to put your fire out if it escapes? (Water hose for small fires, bull dozer for larger fires).

The Florida Division of Forestry oversees wildfire prevention and suppression activities throughout the state to protect homeowners from the threat of damage in a natural, fire-dependent environment.