Wildfire Savvy and Safety

Florida experienced its worst year of wildfires in Spring 2007, burning more than 580,000 acres, since the devastating fires of 1998 which burned a half million acres.

Now the state is experiencing the worst drought since the 1950s according to State Meteorologist Ben Nelson. The South Florida Water Management District is imposing its toughest water restrictions to date, enforcing watering once a week for residential landscapes. And in light of the ongoing drought, statewide predictions include another active wildfire season for 2008.

This week Governor Charlie Crist joined Florida’s State Emergency Response Team members and water management and state fire officials to conduct the 2008 Drought and Wildfire Summit at the State Emergency Operations Center. The first-ever summit brought together local, state and federal officials to gain a better understanding of the current conditions and threats facing Florida and the Southeast.

The primary objective of the summit was to give Florida’s first responders an opportunity to engage in policy and operational-level discussions with federal and regional colleagues. These discussions will work to coordinate and craft a response plan to meet immediate and long-term issues and identify solutions with partner agencies.

However, all of Florida’s residents and visitors can practice tips that preserve the state’s water supply and prevent wildfires, such as:  ...more