Wildfires

The wildfires of 1998 brought another harsh reminder to Florida residents of the power of natural hazards to destroy property, threaten safety and cause untold human hardship. Overall, after the firestorm was finally extinguished, the event had caused one of the worst wildfire disasters in Florida's history, resulting in nearly 2,300 wildfires with almost 500,000 acres burned. Well over 300 homes were damaged or destroyed. Over ten thousand firefighters from 47 different states were needed, along with more than 150 aircraft, to bring the fires under control. In their aftermath, they left the people of the State—who are perhaps more accustomed to the ravages of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods—surprised at the power and severity of this fire storm. In 1999, Florida's drought continued. As a result, the State again was stricken with a severe wildfire outbreak. Even though drought conditions were worse, the 1999 wildfire season brought fewer losses because the emergency response and the public were more prepared.

The reasons for the wildland fire crisis are deceiving. Extremely dry weather conditions create a natural potential for disaster. But the increasing number of people living in or near wildlands means those firefighters must turn away from wildfires to protect lives and property.

Fire facts about rural living include the following:

Once a fire starts outdoors in a rural area, it is often hard to control. Wildland firefighters are trained to protect natural resources, not homes and buildings.
Many rural businesses are located far from fire stations. The result is longer emergency response times. Within a matter of minutes, a building may be destroyed by fire.
Limited water supply in rural areas can make fire suppression difficult.
Buildings may be secluded and surrounded by woods, dense brush and combustible vegetation that fuel fires.

As a business owner considering building in an area where a wildfire can occur, you can take a few simple precautions which will protect your business and may well preserve the attractive environment.

Choose a firewise location.

Check with local officials to see what fire protection is available.
Evaluate the site. A level area is better than a sloped one.
Ensure that emergency vehicles will have easy access with at least 12 feet wide with turn-around space
Don't forget to clearly mark your location so firefighters can find you.

Design and build firewise structures.

Work with architects, contractors and fire officials to create a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and firewise.
The number one cause of building losses in wildland fires is from untreated wood shake roofs.
Don't let sparks jump from your business to the wildland-or from a wildland fire to your business.

Stay on guard with firewise landscaping and maintenance.

Tips for making your property fire resistant:

Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, and the roof and rain-gutters free from debris such as dead limbs and leaves.
Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your building.
Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.
Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your building. Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood, debris and low tree branches.
Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly. For example, hardwood trees are more fire-resistant than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus, or fir trees.
Make sure water sources, such as hydrants, ponds, pools and wells, are accessible to the fire department.

Be prepared and have a fire safety and evacuation plan:

Practice fire escape and evacuation plans.
Mark the entrance to your property with address signs that are clearly visible from the road.
Know which local emergency services are available and have those numbers posted near telephones.
Provide emergency vehicle access through roads and driveways at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.