Florida Forest Service

🔥 Never throw cigarette butts out of a vehicle. 🔥 Avoid driving or parking on dry grass – hot exhaust can spark fires. 🔥 Firmly secure all vehicle chains and hitches that can cause sparks. For more tips, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com

FFS has recorded over 650 wildfires since Jan. 1, burning approximately 21,000 acres. Now, 34 counties have current burn bans. An active burn ban prohibits campfires, bonfires, burning yard waste, and other open fires. These bans do not include authorized outdoor burning.

🚨Wildfire Dangers Grow as Drought Worsens With much of the state in extreme drought conditions, FFS is urging everyone to be mindful & follow any county-imposed burn bans. Any fire that starts in these conditions could quickly get out of control and endanger property or lives.

67 percent of our state is currently in drought. This year was the 11th driest January through November on record. These statewide drought trends are not expected to improve over the next few months. All of this points to an early start to our peak wildfire season. Florida’s wildfire season typically peaks in April, May, and June. But the National Interagency Fire Center is forecasting well-above-normal wildfire potential for Florida in January, February, and March. Floridians need to be ready and prepare for a potentially busy wildfire season. Learn more here: fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfir…

🚨 FFS is asking residents to use caution as drought conditions spread across Florida. Several counties have issued outdoor yard debris burn bans, and the Keetch Byrum Drought Index readings indicate severe drought conditions. For fire safety tips, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com.

🚫 Due to drought-like conditions, high winds & low humidity, yard debris burn bans are now active in these counties: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hardy, Hendry, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Orange, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole & Volusia. For more tips, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com

🔥Florida Wildfire Awareness Week🔥 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and FFS are urging Floridians to be ready for a potentially busy wildfire season. Florida’s peak wildfire season typically occurs during April, May, and June... MORE: tinyurl.com/5d5b7wwj

FFS responded with personnel, heavy equipment, and other resources – including engines from North/Central Florida, helicopters, and large air tankers (LATs). FFS helicopters made approximately 1,435 water drops, and the LATs made 7 retardant drops at 3,000 gallons per drop.

🚨 '344 Fire' in south Miami-Dade 80% Contained, Roads Open Two vital routes for South Florida drivers, U.S. 1 & Card Sound Road, are now open as firefighters continue to battle the "344 Fire" in south Miami-Dade County. The fire is approximately 26,719 acres & is 80% contained.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are providing an update on the “344 Fire” in south Miami-Dade and urging residents and visitors to avoid U.S. 1 in the area due to smoke and heavy emergency response. MORE: tinyurl.com/3ahd2jw7

Red Flag Warning for much of South Florida today. Wildfires can spread fast in these conditions — stay alert and take precautions: 🔥 Avoid outdoor burning 🚫Don’t discard cigarettes on the ground 🔧Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks 🚒Report smoke or fire immediately

🎄The Florida Forest Service wants everyone to safely dispose of their Christmas trees, because discarded Christmas trees can quickly become fuel for a dangerous wildfire. Recycling your Christmas trees is best, but if you choose to burn, know the law & follow these safety tips:

🔥 FFS will begin dormant season prescribed burning in the coming weeks on State Forest lands. These burns are conducted during the winter months, when temperatures are cooler & trees are in their dormant stage. This minimizes stress on the timber while reducing heavy fuel loads.

Quick thinking and good training help an FFS Forest Ranger lend aid and avoid potential tragedy.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are warning of increased fire danger in Florida due to significant post-storm vegetative debris and dry weather. Learn more: tinyurl.com/mphbjspe

The Florida Forest Service is asking Floridians in areas impacted by Hurricane Milton to use caution when burning debris piles. Smoke can travel, so be mindful of your neighbors as many are still without power & most homes have open windows. Visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com for more

The @FLForestService has been responding to damage from Hurricane Milton – even before it made landfall – and opening roads for emergency personnel. There are currently over 150 forestry team members working on emergency operations across the state.

Without their fast action, this could have ended in tragedy. Huge thanks to our brave FFS employees who stepped up when it mattered most.

Effective Aug. 15, 2024, at 8 a.m., all campgrounds & recreation areas on the following State Forests are closed due to Tropical Storm Debby. Refunds will be issued automatically for reservations during the closures. For more, visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call (877) 879-3859.

Effective Aug. 12, 2024, at 2 p.m., all campgrounds & recreation areas on the following State Forests are closed due to Tropical Storm Debby. Refunds will be issued automatically for reservations during the closures. For more, visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call (877) 879-3859.