May 19, 2013
Associated Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - It's fire awareness week in Florida.
State officials say Florida is the nation's leader in prescribed fires, burning more than two million acres of agricultural and natural lands each year.
According to a statement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service, prescribed fires mimic naturally occurring fires and can help prevent devastating wildfires.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam says: "Prescribed fire is a safe way to reduce hazardous fuels on Florida's forest lands and prevent devastating wildfires."
Prescribed Fire Awareness Week runs started on Sunday and ends on Saturday. Many state parks and trails will be conducting prescribed burns in the coming months.
For more information visit: www.goodfires.org.
