Commissioner Wilton Simpson Warns of Increased Fire Danger in Florida Due to Hurricane Debris, Dry Weather

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are warning of increased fire danger in Florida due to significant post-storm vegetative debris and dry weather. The Florida Forest Service and local fire departments are urging Floridians to use caution and know the law when burning debris piles.

"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," saidCommissioner Wilton Simpson. "In addition to knowing local ordinances, there are requirements and best practices for burning debris piles that can help you avoid catastrophe."

Here are some important reminders for anyone doing small yard burns:

• Be aware of local burning regulations. Per county ordinance, yard debris burning is always prohibited in Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Those counties do offer debris collection and debris drop-off sites, so please contact local officials for times and locations.
• Burn piles must be less than 8 feet in diameter and extinguished one hour before sunset. The fire must be 25 feet from your home, woods, brush, or other combustible structures; 50 feet from paved public roads; and 150 feet from other occupied buildings.
• Yard waste is any vegetative debris - brush, leaves, tree limbs, etc. It is illegal to burn household garbage and non-vegetative debris.
• Also be mindful of your neighbors. Smoke travels, and if you're in a region still recovering from a major storm, neighbors may still be without power and have their windows open.
• Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter require a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service. You are also required to have suppression equipment on hand.

Cooler temperatures also mean drier conditions, such as the moderate drought in the western Panhandle.

"Hurricane Milton brought a lot of rain and flooding to central Florida, but it's been several weeks since the Panhandle has seen precipitation," said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. "September and October are traditionally drier months, so it's not unusual for this time of year."

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of State Forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FDACS.gov/FLForestService.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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