Wildfire Facts and Safety Tips From Your Brevard County Professional Firefighters

(Brevard County, Fla) - Brevard County Professional Firefighters (BCPFF) provide all-hazard fire and emergency services to a uniquely divserse urban/suburban/rural population.  Although some residents don't experience the potential devastation associated with wildfire, many portions of our county are all too familiar with the dangers.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, up to 90% of wildland fires in the U.S. are caused by people - unattended campfires, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson.  The remaining 10% are naturally caused.

BCPFF's Public Information Officer Don Slayman says: 

"Everyone should take preventive measures against wildfires, even if you think it won't happen to you.  It's vital that we come together as a community to ensure everyone is prepared, aware of their surroundings, and ready to act early should a wildfire impact the community."

National Geographic asserts there are more than 100,000 wildfires annually in the U.S. clearing more than 4 million acres.  Taking preventive measures helps your Brevard County Professional Firefighters not only maneuver resources while combating wildfires, but also supports your safety.

"Planning ahead for these fires can really help us in reducing both the number of fires and their impact on our community," says Slayman.  "One of the biggest preventive measures for residents is to ensure you have a safety zone around your home.  This 'defensible space' gives us a fighting chance to save your home and your family" (click here to learn about "defensible space"). 

Creating a Defesible Space gives firefighters a better chance of saving your home.

 Your Brevard County Professional Firefighters offer these prevention tips:

• Call 911 if you notice an unattended or out-of-control fire.
• NEVER leave a campfire unattended.  Completely extinguish the fire before leaving.
• When camping, take care when using and fueling lanterns, stoves and heaters.  Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling.  Do NOT dispoe of flammable liquids by tossing them on the ground, and store fuel away from appliances.
• Do NOT discard cigarettes, matches and smoking materials from moving vehicles or on the ground.  Ensure they are completely extinguished and dispose of them properly.
• Follow local ordinaces when burning yard waste (click here to see Florida's Outdoor Burning and Forest Fire Laws)

Remember, droughts increase the risk for wildfires; and droughts can occur in any climate, hot or cold.

Do NOT fight wildfires on your own, call 911 IMMEDIATELY.

For more information on what you can do, see our Press Release on creating a defensible space around your home.  

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By:  Donald Slayman

        Public Information Officer

        Brevard County Professional Firefighters

        Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com