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Florida Forest Service Sends 28 Firefighters to Help Combat 130,000-Acre Wildfire in Oklahoma

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service is deploying 28 firefighters to assist wildfire suppression efforts in Northwest Oklahoma.

“Our wildland firefighters are always prepared to provide unwavering support to other states in need of assistance to fight wildfires, and I applaud their selfless dedication to protecting our fellow Americans,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.

The Florida Forest Service has assembled an Incident Management Team of 28 wildland firefighters from various districts around the state. The crew will fly to Oklahoma tomorrow and will be assigned to manage the suppression efforts on the 130,000-acre 34 Complex wildfire.

“Our firefighters have proven their bravery time and again when fighting Florida’s wildfires,” said Florida Forest Service Director and State Forester Jim Karels. “They are exceptionally well-trained, and we are ready to support the suppression efforts in Oklahoma in any way we can.”

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 17 active wildfires in Florida burning 27,199 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • DeSoto Highlands Line, DeSoto County: 200 acres and 100 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 100 percent contained.

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 32 active wildfires in Florida burning 27,508 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 75 percent contained.

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 33 active wildfires in Florida burning 33,605 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • Greenway, Collier County: 17,957 and 95 percent contained.
  • Firebreak, Gulf County: 8,080 acres and 90 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 60 percent contained.
  • Mud Dauber Road, Polk County: 139 acres and 100 percent contained.

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 29 active wildfires in Florida burning 33,973 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • Greenway, Collier County: 17,957 and 95 percent contained.
  • Firebreak, Gulf County: 8,080 acres and 85 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 60 percent contained.
  • Mud Dauber Road, Polk County: 200 acres and 95 percent contained. 

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Visits Collier County Wildfires

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today visited the Greenway Fire in Collier County. The Greenway Fire is 16,876 acres and is 50 percent contained.

Currently, there are 52 active wildfires in Florida burning 27,870 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • Greenway Fire (Collier County): 16,876 acres and 50 percent contained.
  • Flag Pond Fire (Collier County): 2,578, 100 percent contained.
  • West Boundary Fire (Hendry County): 2,629 acres and 80 percent contained
  • Firebreak (Gulf County): 2,000 acres and 45 percent contained.
  • Shamrock Dr. Fire (Lee County): 20 acres and 100 percent contained.

Resources Deployed to Southwest Florida:

  • State Firefighting Bulldozers: 11
  • Fire District & State Brush Trucks: 15
  • Fire District Water Tenders: 2
  • State Firefighting Super Huey Helicopter: 1
  • State Firefighter 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.

 

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Wildfire Activity, Response Efforts

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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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Wildfire Activity in Collier County, Across State

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The Florida Forest Service and local first responders continue efforts to contain three large wildfires in rural Collier County and more than 45 other wildfires 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 has battled over 700 wildfires across the state in 2018.

“Florida’s wildland firefighters are prepared to battle increasingly hazardous wildfires across the state. Today, the Florida Forest Service is doing everything in its power to suppress and contain current wildfires in anticipation of very poor weather conditions tomorrow, especially in southwest Florida. 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.

Large Wildfires in Collier County:

The Florida Forest Service is deploying additional aviation and heavy equipment resources to support response efforts to the following wildfires:

  • 116th Avenue Southeast Fire: 8,063 acres and 50 percent contained.
  • Greenway Fire: 7,239 acres and 25 percent contained.
  • West Boundary Fire: 2,800 acres and 50 percent contained.

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.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Alerts Floridians of Heightened Wildfire Danger, Urges Caution

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service urge Floridians to exercise caution due to significantly heightened wildfire risk throughout the state. While Florida has received recent rainfall, drought conditions throughout the state are expected to continue. The Florida Forest Service has battled over 700 wildfires across the state in 2018.

“Florida’s wildland firefighters have proven time and again that they are prepared to put their lives on the line to keep Floridians safe,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Floridians can do their part by keeping preventable human-caused wildfires at bay and preparing their families and homes for wildfire.”

There are currently 41 active wildfires throughout Florida. Most of the wildfires this year have been caused by escaped yard trash burns.

“Many wildfires this year have unfortunately been human-caused,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester. “It’s imperative that Floridians are cautious with fire to help protect Florida’s residents, natural resources and wildland firefighters.”

Visit the Florida Forest Service’s wildfire information webpage to view an interactive map of current active wildfires, drought and fire danger forecast information, and a list of current county burn bans.  Floridians can also download the Florida Forest Service’s “FLBurnTools” app to access wildfire conditions in real-time. Prescribed burn practitioners can also use the app to plan and submit authorization requests. The app is now available in Apple’s  App Store and on Google Play.

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.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com

Sebring Man Arrested for Igniting 300-Acre Wildfire

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that investigators with his Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement arrested Douglas Glenn Smith, 58, of Sebring for igniting a fire that escaped and burned more than 300 acres, damaged a residence’s vinyl siding and caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damages to fence posts.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, responded to the wildfire in Highlands County. Smith admitted to intentionally igniting a tree stump with a blow torch, which caused the wildfire. Smith had previously submitted a request for a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service, which had been denied.

Smith is in the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Jail on one count of Intentional or Reckless Burning of Lands, a third-degree felony.

The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement protects Florida’s agriculture and consumers through law enforcement in support of all the regulatory aspects of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.