Fire Danger Briefing (4/13/2017)

(Brevard County, Fla.) - The recent fire danger situation has prompted not only a level 2 activation at the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) but also a declared State of Emergency by Florida's Governor.  Below is a situational briefing on the Fire Danger:

Event Overview:

• As of Tuesday, April 11, the Governor issued a State of Emergency (EO-17-120) following the recent wildfires and the high potential for increased wildfires to continue this year.
• The State EOC has gone to a Level 2 Activation in support of over 100 active fires statewide, 23 of them exceeding 100 acres.
• Florida wildfires have already burned 250% more acreage in 2017 than this time last year.
• The likelihood of increased wildfire activity is high (due to a prediction of low rainfall and increased drought conditions).

Current Situation:

• On Tuesday, April 11, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) issued a Burn Ban Ordinance restricting the use of fire in Brevard County.
• 7 other counties have also implemented bun bans: Nassau, Polk, Seminole, Osceola, Glades, Okeechobee, and Hendry.
• The Florida Forest Service (FFS) Fire Danger Index (FDI) shows Brevard County at a "Very High Level," predicting a high potential for fire to start and require suppression action
• The National Weather Service shows a rainfall deficit of 3.5 inches over the last month and a half, and expects no significant rainfall in the next three months.

Anticipated Conditions:

• The National Weather Service predicts the small amount of rainfall over the next three months will hardly impact the dry conditions we have today.  Between the predicted low rainfall and breezy month of April, fire conditions will likely worsen.

Stay Informed:

• Anticipate road closures or hazardous driving conditions due to heavy smoke.
• Follow @Brevard2969, @BrevardEOC, @FFS_Orlando, and @FhpOrlando for the latest information on brushfires and road closures impacting Brevard County.
• To report a cigarette being thrown from a car that could potentially start a fire, call 321-264-5100 and provide the license plate number.
• YouTube Video (click here) for an interview with the Director of the Florida Forest Service

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By: Donald Slayman

       Public Information Officer

       Brevard County Professional Firefighters

       Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com