Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service deployed 40 additional firefighters this morning to assist wildfire suppression efforts in the western United States. The two hand crews of 20 firefighters each are part of the department’s ongoing effort to help combat one of the worst wildfire seasons in U.S. history.
“Our firefighters will continue to provide unwavering support to other states in need of assistance to fight wildfires,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The Florida Forest Service’s two crews are from various districts around the state. They are joined by three other crews from Georgia and Puerto Rico, totaling 100 firefighters. The five crews will fly from Tampa to Oregon, where they will receive their fire assignments.
“The Florida Forest Service has deployed a total of 343 firefighters to the western United States this year, and we applaud their dedication to helping protect lives, property and our country’s natural resources,” said State Forester Jim Karels.
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.
Florida Forest Service
Additional Florida Forest Service Firefighters Join Wildfire Suppression Efforts Out West
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that an additional 24 wildland firefighters from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service will join an interagency federal hand crew of firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist wildfire suppression efforts in western states. This deployment brings the total to 91 Florida Forest Service firefighters battling western wildfires.
“After selflessly battling one of the worst wildfire seasons in Florida history, our Florida Forest Service firefighters will help protect other parts of our country from wildfire,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Today, the National Interagency Coordination Center will fly the state and federal firefighter crews from Tampa to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they will receive assignments according to priority and fire activity. Crews will potentially be sent to Utah, Montana, California, and South Dakota.
“Florida Forest Service firefighters have proven their bravery and ability time and again when fighting Florida’s wildfires,” said Jim Karels, State Forester. “They are exceptionally well-trained and know how to suppress wildfires aggressively and safely.”
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.
Florida Forest Service Firefighters Heading to Battle Blazes in Western States
On the heels of one of the most active wildfire seasons in years, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that 41 wildland firefighters from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service are leaving this Saturday to assist wildfire suppression efforts in Western states.
“After battling more than 2,500 wildfires in Florida this year, Florida Forest Service firefighters are ready to help other states with their fires,” said Commissioner Putnam. “It is a priority for our department to help our partners defend life and property from the devastating effects of wildfire.”
On Saturday, the two crews of 41 Florida Forest Service firefighters will fly to Salt Lake City, Utah alongside three additional crews from Puerto Rico and Georgia. Upon arrival in Utah, the crews will receive fire assignments throughout the Western states based on priority and fire activity.
“Due to the extreme terrain out west, wildfires can be very intense,” said Jim Karels, State Forester. “Nevertheless, our Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters are prepared for exactly this. Their first-class training and experience battling wildfires in Florida will help them fight these fires aggressively and safely.”
Five additional Florida Forest Service fire personnel are currently assisting in various positions throughout Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Montana.
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.
Florida Forest Service Announces Long Leaf Pine Program for Landowners
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, announced today that the Longleaf Pine Landowner Incentive Program is now accepting applications from eligible, non-industrial private forest landowners. The application period is open Monday, June 26, through Friday, July 28, 2017.
Longleaf pine forests are native to the southeastern United States and are among the most diverse ecosystems in North America. Longleaf pines provide high quality wood products and are highly valued for their resistance to damage by insects, disease, wildfire and storms. Longleaf pine forests have been dramatically reduced to less than four percent of historical area due to urbanization and conversion to other land uses. Florida is currently home to more than two million acres of Longleaf pine ecosystems, which is more than half of all known longleaf pine ecosystems.
The goal of the program is to increase the acreage of healthy Longleaf pine ecosystems in Florida by helping non-industrial private forest landowners make the long-term investment required to establish and maintain this valuable ecosystem.
The program offers incentive payments for completion of timber stand improvement, invasive species control, prescribed burning, planting Longleaf pine, native plant understory establishment and mechanical underbrush treatments. The program is offered for private lands in Florida counties located west of the Aucilla River and several counties near the Ocala National Forest.
Application forms and more information on program requirements and procedures can be found by visiting FreshFromFlorida.com or a local Florida Forest Service office. The program is supported through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with funding from the Southern Company, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Resource Conservation Service, US Department of Defense, Halliburton Company, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
The Florida Forest Service manages more than one million acres of public forest land while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. To learn more about Florida Forest Service programs, visit FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Wounded Veterans Invited to Register for Free Lobstering, Scalloping, Kayaking Trips
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam invites Florida’s wounded veterans to register for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom events, including a lobstering trip out of Fort Lauderdale, a scalloping trip out of Steinhatchee and a kayaking trip on the Chipola River. Space is limited, so eligible veterans must visit OperationOutdoorFreedom.com to register for the free trips. Since Operation Outdoor Freedom was launched in 2011, more than 3,000 wounded veterans have participated in more than 400 hunting, fishing, boating and other recreational events at no cost.
“Operation Outdoor Freedom is a special way of connecting the natural resources and beauty our state is blessed with to the men and women of our armed services who have courageously sacrificed for our nation,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “It’s the least we can do for those who have done so much for us.”
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, organizes and hosts Operation Outdoor Freedom events where participants can fish, hunt, boat and more. Outdoor excursions are held regularly on state forests and private lands throughout Florida and are funded through private donations.
Participants will be drawn at random prior to the event and will be notified by email.
Visit OperationOutdoorFreedom.com for more information about how Operation Outdoor Freedom is working to honor Florida’s wounded veterans and how you can get involved.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that more than 2,300 wildfires have burned over 233,000 acres in Florida this year, with 84 active wildfires burning as of today, May 30, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“As we enter what is traditionally Florida’s rainy season, much of the state is still experiencing drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger,” Commissioner Adam H. Putnam said. “Residents and visitors need to pay attention to and comply with local burn bans and should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 30, 2017:
Active wildfires in Florida:
County Burn Bans:
Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:
- Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
- Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
- Keep flammables away from your home;
- Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
- Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
- Make wildfire preparedness a family project.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that 2,273 wildfires have burned over 171,000 acres in Florida this year, with 125 active wildfires burning as of today, May 22, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“Even with rain across parts of Florida over the weekend, much of the state is experiencing drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger,” Commissioner Adam H. Putnam said. “Residents and visitors need to pay attention to and comply with local burn bans and should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Conditions are forecast to get even drier and warmer into late spring and early summer. May is traditionally one of the driest months of the year in Florida, and that is the expectation for 2017. Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 22, 2017:
Active wildfires in Florida:
County burn bans:
Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home. When creating defensible space, begin with the area immediately surrounding the home, about 3 feet out on all sides. Make sure this space is free of tall, fire-prone plants and materials. Keep this area clean and free of dead plant material and flammable mulches. Instead, opt for low growing, fire resistant plants and materials and use mulches, such as rocks or chunky bark. Deliberately space all plants so that none are placed directly under windows or vents around the house.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:
- Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
- Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
- Keep flammables away from your home;
- Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
- Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
- Make wildfire preparedness a family project.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
South Carolina Sending Firefighters, Equipment to Help Florida Battle Wildfires
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that South Carolina is sending firefighters and equipment to help battle Florida wildfires. The support crews are expected to arrive in Central Florida Saturday evening. There more than 135 active wildfires in Florida and more than 2,000 wildfires have burned over 150,000 acres in Florida this year. Current conditions by county, burn bans, and helpful tips prevent and protect against wildfire in Florida can be found here.
“I thank the South Carolina Forestry Commission for providing this much-needed support as our firefighters continue to battle wildfires across the state,” Commissioner Putnam said. “Conditions are forecast to get even drier and warmer into late spring and early summer, and Florida is going to need all the help we can get.”
Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
“Every part of our state is susceptible to wildfire, and with more than half of Florida’s counties under burn bans, resident and visitors must take every precaution to help prevent wildfire,” said State Forester Jim Karels.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 12, 2017:
Active Wildfires in Florida:
County Burn Bans as of May 12, 2017:
Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home. When creating defensible space, begin with the area immediately surrounding the home, about 3 feet out on all sides. Make sure this space is free of tall, fire-prone plants and materials. Keep this area clean and free of dead plant material and flammable mulches. Instead, opt for low growing, fire resistant plants and materials and use mulches, such as rocks or chunky bark. Deliberately space all plants so that none are placed directly under windows or vents around the house.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:
- Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
- Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
- Keep flammables away from your home;
- Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
- Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
- Make wildfire preparedness a family project.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com
Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that more than 2,000 wildfires have burned over 150,000 acres in Florida this year, with nearly 125 active wildfires burning as of today, May 8, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans, and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“Florida is in the middle of its worst wildfire season in years – with no end in sight,” Commissioner Putnam said. “With such an active wildfire season and much of Florida experiencing significant drought conditions, residents and visitors should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Conditions are forecast to get even drier and warmer into late spring and early summer. May is traditionally one of the driest months of the year in Florida, and that is the expectation for 2017. Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 8, 2017:
Active wildfires in Florida:
County Burn Bans as of May 5, 2017:
Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home. When creating defensible space, begin with the area immediately surrounding the home, about 3 feet out on all sides. Make sure this space is free of tall, fire-prone plants and materials. Keep this area clean and free of dead plant material and flammable mulches. Instead, opt for low growing, fire resistant plants and materials and use mulches, such as rocks or chunky bark. Deliberately space all plants so that none are placed directly under windows or vents around the house.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:
- Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
- Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
- Keep flammables away from your home;
- Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
- Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
- Make wildfire preparedness a family project.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com
Collier County Wildfire Update
The Florida Forest Service continues to battle the Lee Williams Road Fire in Collier County. The fire is approximately 6,500 acres and is 30 percent contained.
“Our firefighters worked through the evening to continue the efforts to contain and suppress the fire in Collier County. We’ll continue to work with our partnering agencies, and may we keep these first responders in our prayers,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Lee Williams Road Fire March 8, 2017 Morning Update
Location: Picayune Strand State Forest in Naples, Florida
Acreage: 6,500 approximately
Fire Started: Sunday 3/5/17: 2 pm
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 30%
Weather: Winds are coming out of the East and forecasted to shift out of the South
Night Operations:
Winds died down and relative humidity increased allowing firefighters an opportunity to gain access closer to the wildfire as fire activity decreased. State firefighting bulldozers constructed containment lines up to fifty feet in width paralleling and anchored into I-75.
Long range spotting, up to one-half mile, were anticipated and mitigated by firefighters stationed on the Northside of I-75. One spot fire was detected at the Naples Landfill and quickly contained at one acre. Florida Forest Service’s firefighting bulldozers quickly encircling the wildfire with a dirt containment line which allows the wildfire to burn itself out. State Firefighting bulldozers established firebreaks behind the RV Parks and horse stables while structure firefighters patrolled the perimeter while also protecting structures.
The fire is holding at County Road 951 which allowed for the road closures to be lifted this morning, although intermittent closures may take place throughout the day.
Today:
Tactics today include structural defense and keeping the wildfire south of I-75 and east of County Road 951.
Mandatory Evacuations:
Evacuations were lifted for the Forest Glen community and the Aventine at Naples Apartments.
There are mandatory evacuations for the Club Naples RV Park, Panther Walk RV Park and Horse Stables in the Picayune Strand State Forest including Triple V and M & H Stables. If asked to evacuate your home, be sure to bring your important family documents (birth certificates, wills, insurance policies), valuables and your family disaster supply kit. Your disaster supply kit should contain enough food, water and supplies to sustain your family for at least three days. Do not forget any medications or special items such as a first aid kit.
Shelter:
A shelter has been established at the Golden Gate Community Center at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL.
Road Closures (Due to smoke and poor visibility)
- I-75 is closed mile marker 80 to mile marker 105 (both sides)
- Intermittent road closures on County Road 951 (Collier Boulevard) between Golden Gate and Rattlesnake Hammock may be throughout the day
Resources on Scene
The Florida Forest Service Interagency Management Red Team has arrived this morning to transition command from local resources to allow local responders the ability to focus suppress efforts on new wildfires.
Agencies on Scene:
Florida Forest Service, Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services, West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department, Immokalee Fire Control District, City of Naples Fire-Rescue, Greater Naples Fire District, Marco Island Fire Department, North Collier Fire District, Collier County Emergency Medical Services, Collier County Sheriff, Punta Gorda Fire Department, Big Cypress National Park, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Florida Highway Patrol, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Rukaree Bay National Wildlife Research.
More information and updates are available on the Collier County website, www.colliergov.net. A call center has been established (239) 252-8444.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
