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May 14, 2008 7:35 pm US/Eastern
Florida's Skies Are Dark With Fire And Smoke
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
It's wildfire season again and the windy, dry conditions across much of the state have officials worried about a repeat of last year's fires. Though not as dry as last year, conditions are better and the potential for fire is still high. The peak fire season runs from December to June, with May and June as most dangerous for fires.
Since January 1st, 2008, 1,173 wildfires have burned 32,255 acres in Florida. Most of these fires were caused by human carelessness. However, arson is also a concern. So far this year, 234 fires have been determined to be arsons.
Two factors contribute to wildfire risk: the land use in your area, and the kind of vegetation around your home.
If you live in a subdivision surrounded by homes and lawns, or in an urban area, it is unlikely that a wildfire would reach your house, according to a study conducted by the University of Florida in Gainesville.
If you have undeveloped or wooded land near your home, however, you could be at some risk in the event of a wildfire.
"Right now it's so dry out there, one little spark started this fire, that's all it takes," said Dan Stringer, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
In one case, sparks from a saw cutting metal started a fire in Southwest Miami-Dade. It happened while this home was being demolished.
The danger of igniting a fire can be found just about anywhere, and the speed at which a fire may spread is alarming.
"You can see and feel how dry it is, it would take seconds for this to turn into fire," said Lt. Stephen Ryback, with Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue.
Walk around outside of your home and look carefully at the nearby land. The type, size, and density of the plants determine wildfire risk.
You are at low risk if you see bare ground, improved pasture, or widely spaced grassy clumps or plants: moist forest, mostly leafy trees, or mostly large trees few plants growing low to the ground; oak leaves or other broad leaves covering the ground.
It's so dry around South Florida, that our fire risk is higher here than in Central Florida. In Broward, the area along the 595 corridor is a spot to look out for. In Miami-Dade, the driest spots are around Tamiami Trail and near Homestead. And there are even a few bone dry locations in the keys as well.
The department has a toll free hotline for citizens to report suspected arson or suspicious activities,
1-800-342-5869.
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