Florida Division of Forestry Press Release:

The winter months often bring seasonal weather changes that can directly affect the wildfire risk in our area.

Cooler temperatures and crisp winds often lower the relative humidity causing the surface of the ground to become much drier.

Wintertime with little rainfall adds to these dry conditions.

Temperatures below freezing produce frost that may kill grasses and small shrubs. This frost-kill increases the amount of dead dry fuel on the ground.

Dead grasses and dryness caused by lower humidities, along with driving winter winds all are factors that contribute to an increased wildfire risk during the winter months.

Helpful Reminders

•Mow thick grasses from around the house before the winter frosts come.

•Keep your yard debris free. Clean yards provide no fuel for wildfires.

•Outdoor burning should be avoided/postponed on windy days,

Prevention is our biggest weapon during the windy winter months. Please be
careful when using fire outdoors.

For more information visit our website at www.fl-dof.com or call (850) 414-1138.