The Florida Forest Service and local first responders continue efforts to contain large wildfires in southwest Florida and across the state. While Florida has received recent rainfall, drought conditions and increased wildfire danger throughout the state are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The Florida Forest Service is currently fighting 41 wildfires across the state.
“Florida’s wildland firefighters are prepared to battle increasingly hazardous wildfires across the state, but it’s imperative that Floridians are cautious with fire to help protect Florida’s residents, natural resources and wildland firefighters,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Significant Wildfires in Florida:
- Greenway Fire (Collier County): 16,794 acres and 50 percent contained.
- West Boundary Fire (Hendry County): 2,800 acres and 50 percent contained
- Old Blade Line Fire (Polk County): 450 acres and 50 percent contained.
- Knights Griffin Fire (Hillsborough County): 100 acres and 90 percent contained.
Resources Deployed to Southwest Florida:
- State Firefighting Bulldozers: 9
- Fire District & State Brush Trucks: 11
- City and County Water Tenders: 2
- State Firefighting Super Huey Helicopter: 1
- State Firefighting Fixed-Wing: 1
The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:
- Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
- Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
- Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
- Never burn on windy days;
- Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
- Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
- Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
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 of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
