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:
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.