QUICK LINK
Below are links to downloadable, self-running modules. These modules can be run locally on your computer and do not require an Internet connection to function. To access the modules, simply click on the link
- Developing a Cooperative Approach to wildfire protectiodownload
- Fire Hazard Assessment in the Wildland/Urban Interface download
- Firewise Landscaping download
- Making Your Home Firewise download
- Preparing a Home for Wildfire Season download
- Peak Fire Seasons Map download
- Operation Water download
- Wildfire Approaching download
Safety Tips during Dry Season: Avoid Wildland Fires
February through May marks the dry season, and with that comes the added threat of wildland fires. Brush fires and grass fires are a natural occurrence in the wildland areas, but there are many things we can do to reduce the risk of starting these fires and reducing the threat of damage to homes and property.
If you start a campfire, always have a shovel and a bucket of water handy, or don't start the fire at all. If you start a campfire, never leave it unattended.
Limit the use of ATVs on dry wildland areas. Sparks from the exhaust can ignite fires on parched grass areas. Have a means of mitigating fires with you, such as a fire extinguisher or bucket of water.
Don't toss cigarette butts on the ground. If you do, you must make sure that the tip is completely snuffed out.
Don't toss cigarette butts from you car. Several fires along our roadsides have been sparked by cigarettes.
Protecting Your Home:
If you live in an urban/wildland interface area, you need to be aware of the special precautions you should take to protect your property from the onset of brush fires adjacent to your home and land.
Leave a buffer zone of cleared land between your home and the wild land area of vegetation and wild growth. The recommended space is 30 feet of cleared land. Keeping cleared land with little or no vegetation around your home gives the fire less fuel to feed on which can lead it to the house.
Keep trees trimmed away from the house. This, too can fuel fires and transfer them to the roof of the house.
Follow the recommendations of the South Florida Water Management District and xeriscape your property. In other words, plant indigenous species that can withstand the annual dry months.
Instead of using wood chip mulch, which can dry out and act as fuel, consider landscaping with rocks. They are just as effective at holding in moisture around plantings but are fireproof.
Links:
For more information on how to stay safe during the dry season, check out the following web sites.
South Florida Water Management District
Florida Alliance for Safe Homes