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Be Wildfire Ready

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, there is still a threat to life, homes and our communities — a wildfire threat. The exponential volume and density of damaged trees will increase the intensity and speed of wildfires as well as the difficulty of suppressing them.

2.8 million acres of trees — the equivalent of more than 2.1 million football fields — were destroyed during the storm and much remains on the ground today, ready to burn.

Our Panhandle communities are part of the wildland urban interface, areas that are in close proximity to forests and wooded areas, which amplifies the wildfire threat.

While Florida is the lightning capital of the United States, lightning is not the only cause of wildfire in the state. Humans are the leading cause of wildfires in Florida.

There are many tools we can use to help mitigate the chances of a catastrophic wildfire, including creating defensible spaces around our homes, safely burning yard waste, utilizing prescribed burning, and reporting a potential wildfire or suspicious arson activity.

Protect your life, home and community by using these tools to Be Wildfire Ready.