Florida is home to millions of residents who enjoy the state's beautiful scenery and warm climate. But few people realize that these qualities also create severe wildfire conditions. Each year, thousands of acres of wildland and many homes are destroyed by fires that can erupt at any time of the year from a variety of causes, including arson, lightning and debris burning. Adding to the fire hazard is the growing number of people living in new communities built in areas that were once wildland. This growth places even greater pressure on the state's wildland firefighters. As a result of this growth, fire protection becomes everyone's responsibility.

Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI)
Map provided by Florida Division of Forestry

Home Owners Information - Are You Prepared for Wildfires?

Are you Firewise Florida?

This web site contains educational information for people who live or vacation in fire-prone areas of the United States. It was designed to acquaint YOU with the challenges of living with wildland fire.

Save Your Home from FLORIDA WILDFIRES

The forests of Florida were truly born of fire. Most areas of development have burned in forest fires within the last century. There is no reason to expect they are now immune to fire. Too often in recent years, homes have been lost or threatened at this wildland/urban interface. Fire protection agencies are concerned that in many developments, lack of concern and planning for fire safety measures are creating a design for disaster.

Wildfire: Are You Prepared? (PDF)

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now — before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area. Follow the steps listed in this brochure to protect your family, home and property.

Wildland Fires (Fact sheet and Backgrounder) (PDF)

The threat of wildland fires for people living near wildland areas or using recreational facilities in wilderness areas is real. Advance planning and knowing how to protect buildings in these areas can lessen the devastation of a wildland fire.

Fire-safe Landscaping Can Save Your Home (PDF)

Wildland fires destroy hundreds of homes and acres of land every year across the country. Fire-safe landscaping is an effective tool that creates an area of defensible space between your home and flammable vegetation that protects against devastating fires.The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to keep fire safety at the forefront by learning how to landscape and maintain your property to minimize possible fire damage and slow fires if they start. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility... Fire Stops With You!

FireWise Landscaping Checklist (PDF)

When designing and installing a firewise landscape, consider the following:
Local area fire history, site location and overall terrain, Prevailing winds and seasonal weather, Property contours and boundaries, Native vegetation, Plant characteristics and placement (duffage, water and salt retention ability, aromatic oils, fuel load per area, and size), and Irrigation requirements.

http://www.floridadisaster.org/bpr/EMTOOLS/wildfire/wildfire.htm - Florida Hazard Watch - Wildfire Information