Fire in Florida
Keeping forests healthy and protecting communities
www.fireinflorida.com
Firewise Landscaping
In Florida, how do you spell the word drought? F-I-R-E! The dry forests are a tinderbox and the risk of more wildfires increases every day. If you live near a natural area, be extra careful with outdoor machinery that may generate a spark, trim the vegetation growing near your home, and clean up the dead leaves and needles from around structures. Although the forests are adapted to fires and will grow back, your home will not. To learn more about protecting your property from fire, contact your local County Extension or Division of Forestry office, or the University of Florida IFAS website: FireInFlorida dot com.
Wildfires are a common event in Florida’s forests. They are especially dangerous if you live in the wildland-urban interface, where your yard joins with surrounding natural vegetation and forests. Reduce your fire risk with landscaping practices that trim dead branches, separate plants from others and remove flammable mulches and pine needles from structures. Be sure to screen the underside of mobile homes with fire resistant mesh. For more information about reducing your fire risk contact your local county extension or Division of Forestry office or the University of Florida IFAS website fireinflorida dot com.
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences School of Forest Resources and Conservation
P.O. Box 110410 Gainesville, FL 32611 Telephone (352) 846-0891
Fire in Florida
Keeping forests healthy and protecting communities
www.fireinflorida.com
Wildfires can reach your home if you live where Florida’s neighborhoods are built right next to forests. You can reduce the danger of fire with Firewise landscaping. Protect your home by cutting off dead branches, keeping plants far apart, and keeping flammable mulches away from your house, fence and shed. And be sure your home is clearly visible to fire crews. For more information about Firewise landscaping, contact your local county extension or Division of Forestry office or visit the University of Florida IFAS website at fireinflorida dot com.
If you can see forests from your window, a wildfire could reach your home. You can do a lot to reduce your risk with Firewise landscaping. Trim dead branches and keep flammable mulches away from the base of your home. Move shrubs so they aren’t beneath windows or eaves. Keep dense vegetation at least 30 feet from your house. Landscape your home with less flammable and carefully spaced plants like oak trees and beautyberry. For more information about reducing your risk from fires, contact your local County Extension or Division of Forestry office, or the University of Florida IFAS website: fireinflorida dot com.
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences School of Forest Resources and Conservation
P.O. Box 110410 Gainesville, FL 32611 Telephone (352) 846-0891
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