10/15/2013AP - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Florida Forest Service, District 16 - Indian River County Law Enforcement A total of 5 "Notice of Violation" were issued in Indian River County by FFS personnel in response to burning which violated state statues. With the issuance of a "Notice of Violation" an administrative fine can be levied against the violator, as well as any appropriate suppression cost. Educating the public on the burn laws in Florida is a priority. We have marketing materials (brochures & postcards) created to pass out to remind the residents about the proper restrictions in Florida. The Florida Forest Service initially investigates the cause of all wildfires. If there is property damage, injury or the fire is suspicious in nature, the investigation is referred to the Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement. Fire Prevention & Mitigation Fire Prevention is stressed throughout the State of Florida in order to reduce the human caused wildfires. 80% of all wildfires are caused by humans; the other 20% is lighting ignitions. There are several ways that the Florida Forest Service educates the public in reducing human caused wildfires. The most recognizable is Smokey Bear with the younger generation; they are taught the importance of not playing with fire and the dangers associated with wildfires. With a combination of public service announcements (radio, TV, newspaper and social media), wildfire education is disseminated to the public at appropriated intervals. For example, in winter the grasses start to dry out with each passing cold front and there is an increase in roadside wildfires. In this example, press release gear toward to notifying the public of the dangers of roadside wildfires can increase awareness and decrease roadside wildfires. The Florida Forest Service does educate "communities at risk". By using fire occurrence and fuel loading, FFS Forest Rangers (wild land Firefighters) can identify communities at risk. The "at risk" communities are approached with educational materials and are provided the opportunity to reduce their wildfire risk. There ore 0 National Firewise Community in Indian River County . Indian River County also has a Community Wildfire Protection Plan established and the plan should be updated yearly. A Wildfire Ready, Set, Go Educational kit has been provided to Indian River County Fire Rescue and they are encouraged to share this valuable information. Fire is as natural as water in Florida. When a forest grows too wild a purging fire is inevitable and natural. The suppression of all "natural" wildfires has created a buildup of dead/decaying vegetation thus causing increasing dangerous wildfires. A carefully planned and orchestrated prescribed fire will reduce the wildfire risk and mostly closely mimics the natural role fire plays in Florida. In some urban areas, prescribe fire is not an option therefore mechanical mowing and chopping is needed to reduce the wildfire risk. During the past year approximately 200 acres were treated by the Florida Forest Service in an effort to protect lives and property from the dangers of wildfires. 3 �