Mar 10, 2009 1:04 pm US/Eastern
Tinder Dry Conditions Prompt Fire Danger Warning
Click Here For Fla. Division Of Forestry Tips To Protect Property
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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A brush fire broke out in Southwest Miami-Dade county on Monday. The fire started near the area of 127th Ave and SW 130 Street
WFOR/CBS
Tinder dry conditions across our area prompted the National Weather Service, NOAA and the Florida Division of Forestry to hold a special South Florida Wildfire Season news conference Tuesday morning.
It was announced that everyone needs to be aware of the very dangerous drought conditions across the state as well as the very high fire danger across South Florida. Awareness of the potential for wildfires is the best way to prevent them.
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is asking residents to do their part to prevent fires by avoiding unnecessary outdoor burning. He said the wildfire activity this year is nearly twice as what it was last year. So far this year, 1,024 wildfires have burned almost 25 thousand acres across the state.
A secondary concern associated with wildfires is the smoke associated with them which can cause major breathing problems especially for younger, older, and more sensitive people.
Weatherbug on CBS4.com provides instant notification if smoke is or will be blowing in your direction so you can take precautionary measures to stay safe.
CBS4 Meteorologists say this has been the driest winter on record. Currently rainfall deficits across South Florida range from 7 inches to more than 13 inches in some areas since November 1st. Since January a meager .25" - .50" of rain has fallen. This is due in part to La Nina conditions which have persisted through the winter and will likely continue for the next few months. The dry weather has caused the Keetch Byram Drought Index to soar into 650-750 range which is at the top of the scale. All forecasts point to a drier then normal pattern for the next couple of months and this will likely fuel a harsh brush fire season until the rainy season is in well underway. Rainy season in South Florida typically starts at the end of May.
More information on fire safety, any immediate fire danger, and the severity of the drought monitor across the state can be found at the following locations:
Florida Division of Forestry
National Weather Service
Florida Drought Monitor
Smokey the Bear Fire Tips and Prevention
CBS4 Fast Facts: Avoiding Brush Fire Danger To Your Home
(CBS4 Meteorologist Michael Koolick contributed to this report.)
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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