Newberry : Fire Department News and Reports



		Fire Department News and Reports Reports News Reports: : : For the month of July the Fire Department ran 54 calls: 39 EMS 0 Brush Fires 2 Vehicle Accidents 3 Vehicle Fires 0 Haz-Mat 2 Standby 5 Fire Alarm 3 Structure Fire 0 smoke investigation 0 Power Line Down 0 Trash Fire 0 Transformer fire 0 Tree Down 0 Elevator Stuck 0 Alert News: TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that Many of Florida’s trees, shrubs and grasses are dependent on fire to survive and will burn quickly from any spark whether it be from lightning or people. “Almost 80% of all wildfires in Florida are caused by human carelessness, with arson and escaped debris burning being the top two causes,” said Bronson. The strong El Nino weather pattern that has been in place for almost a year has brought above normal amounts of rainfall to the state and has decreased the wildfire danger for now. “This weather pattern is predicted to last for the next few months, but March, April, May and June are the most active months of Florida’s wildfire season and the wildfire threat still remains,” Bronson said. “Wind and low humidity that follow a cold front can quickly dry out grass, pine needles and small branches, allowing them the catch fire easily.” Bronson’s Division of Forestry responds to an increased number of escaped yard debris fires this time of year. He urges residents to use caution when burning yard waste and to follow the guidelines set by the Division of Forestry. * Yard waste is vegetative debris such as grass clippings, brush, leaves, tree limbs, etc., that are a result of yard maintenance * Burning yard waste does not require an authorization from the Division of Forestry, but you should check with your local city or county officials to see if there are any restrictions in your area * Your fire must be contained in an 8 foot diameter pile or non combustible barrel and must be at least 25 feet from forests, 25 feet from your house, 50 feet from a paved public road and 150 feet from other occupied buildings * Don’t burn on windy days or when the humidity is below 30% * Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before you leave * Keep a shovel and water hose handy * If your fire escapes, you may be liable for suppression costs and damage to the property of others Since January 1st, 2010, 852 wildfires have burned 13,407 acres in Florida. Most of these fires were caused by human carelessness. “Floridians can take additional precautions to help prevent wildfires by reporting all suspicious fires to 911 or their local DOF office, never leaving a campfire unattended, disposing of cigarettes properly and making sure all vehicles and equipment have properly working spark arresters,” Bronson said. Contact your local Division of Forestry office for more information on fire prevention tips and burning rules and regulations, or visit the Division of Forestry’s website at www.fl-dof.com. Backyard Burning Guidelines Check with your local fire department and the Division of Forestry (DOF) to make sure it is legal to burn in your area. Burners must comply with county/city as well as DOF fire ordinances Make sure you meet the required setbacks: 25 ft. from your house and forested areas, 50 ft. from a public paved road and 150 ft. from other occupied buildings Burn only yard waste, no household garbage (includes paper products and newspapers) Don’t burn on windy days Never leave a fire unattended Keep a water hose or shovel handy in case your fire escapes Make sure your smoke does not obstruct visibility on nearby roads Be sure your fire is completely out before you leave Use solid waste pick up in the city limits Remember…If your fire escapes, you may be liable for costs of suppression and damage to the property of others. For those who need permits, the DOF will issue authorizations on a daily basis depending on the weather conditions. For more information on burn permits, BACK