TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, along with the Florida Forest Service (FFS), has issued a warning about heightened fire risks across the state due to dry weather and leftover debris from recent hurricanes. Residents are asked to use caution when burning yard debris and to be aware of state and local regulations to help prevent wildfires.
“After major storms, we see a sharp increase in yard waste fires, but burning safely is crucial because escaped debris burns are a leading cause of wildfires in Florida,” said Commissioner Simpson.
The FFS offers the following guidelines for safe debris burning:
- Know Local Regulations: Burning yard debris is prohibited in Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Residents should use debris collection and drop-off sites.
- Follow Safety Measures: Burn piles should be kept under 8 feet in diameter, be at least 25 feet from homes, and be fully extinguished an hour before sunset.
- Observe Burn Permits: Larger burn piles (over 8 feet in diameter) require a permit from the Florida Forest Service, and suppression equipment should be readily available.
- Avoid Burning Household Trash: Only natural yard waste like leaves, tree limbs, and brush should be burned; household garbage and non-vegetative debris are illegal to burn.
With cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall, particularly in the western Panhandle, the FFS says that fire risk is further increased.
“Hurricane Milton brought significant rain to central Florida, but the Panhandle remains dry,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the FFS. “September and October tend to be dry months, heightening the fire threat in these areas.”
For additional information, including burn permits and fire prevention resources, visit FDACS.gov/FLForestService.