Brevard County Fire Rescue Brush Fire Information

Wildfire Safety

Wildfire season in Florida is almost upon us. Are you prepared?

Weather plays a very important role in the way wildfires react. Winds, high temperatures, low humidity, and lack of rainfall can dry out vegetation, making it easy for wildfires to be ignited. Florida is widely considered the lightning capital of the United States and, not surprisingly, lightning strikes are a primary cause of wildfires in Brevard County.

A wildfire can strike at any time. Brevard County Fire Rescue urges homeowners to take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire occurs.

Tips for making your property fire safe:

• Create a safety zone around your home (30-100ft)
• Keep your yard well landscaped
• Keep roofs, gutters, and eaves clear of debris
• Have a disaster plan and discuss it with your family
• Gather and protect important documents in case of evacuation
• Discuss several safe exits to and from your property with your family
• Use extreme caution when cooking outdoors
• Teach children about fire safety
• Stay tuned to local news channels or radio stations to stay informed of any wildfire events in your area

In the event an evacuation order is issued; evacuate immediately, secure your property, and let other family members know when you left and where you are going. Again- being prepared is the first defense in keeping you, your family, and your property safe in the event of a wildfire.

More information regarding wildfire safety is available at the following websites:

• Ready, Set, Go- Individual Homeowner-based information
• Firewise - Community and Individual Homeowner-based information
• Florida Forest Service
• American Red Cross- Wildfire Information and Tips

Protect Your Property from Wildfire- Florida Edition is a publication from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety that offers an extensive guide to protecting your home from the threat of wildfire.

Brevard County Fire Rescue is proud to be one of the few fire departments in Central Florida to have a full-time position dedicated to Wildland Urban Interface issues and wildfire prevention. The Wildland Mitigation Officer provides wildfire information for a variety of groups and events upon request.

As part of the department's commitment to serving our community, we are pleased to offer residents a free individual home assessment to evaluate your wild land fire risk and hazard. To set up a home assessment or informational presentation, please complete the Display/Speaker Request Form.

Fire Danger Index Rating Key

Low Fire Danger

Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands although a more intense heat source, such as lightning, will likely start fires in duff or punky wood. Weather and fuel conditions will lead to slow fire spread, low intensity and relatively easy control with light mop-up. There is little danger of spotting. Controlled burns can usually be executed with reasonable safety.

Moderate Fire Danger

Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. Expect moderate flame length and rate of spread. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious and control is relatively easy.

High Fire Danger

All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and camp fires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.

Very High Fire Danger

Fires start easily from all causes and immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in light fuels may quickly develop high intensity characteristics such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds when they burn in heavier fuels. Both suppression and mop-up will require an extended and very thorough effort. Yard Waste burning is not recommended. Fire restrictions may be in effect.

Extreme Fire Danger

Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high fire danger class. Every fire start has the potential to become large. Expect extreme, erratic behavior. No Yard Waste burning should take place in areas with extreme fire danger. Fire restrictions are generally in effect.

Burn Ban

When the drought Index in Brevard County reaches 500 a mandatory burn ban is established. Any open burning is prohibited.