Video courtesy of the Office of Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. To watch video, click here or above

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia shared wildfire safety tips amid the extreme and exceptional drought conditions throughout the state. During times of drought, any fire that starts can get out of control quickly and cause significant damage. CFO Ingoglia is urging Floridians to follow state and local burn bans to protect themselves, their property, and their community. 

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “As we enter the wildfire season, I am encouraging all Floridians to be proactive when it comes to fire safety. Prevention and preparedness are the best tools we can use against wildfires. I’m thankful for the hard work of Florida’s forestry firefighters, but by taking the necessary precautions, we can reduce the number of fires our firefighters have to respond to and ensure the safety of our communities.” 

Since the beginning of the year, the Florida Forest Service has recorded over 1,700 wildfires burning approximately 100,000 acres of state and federal lands.

There are 42 counties in the state that have initiated burn bans, which prohibit activities such as campfires, bonfires, burning yard waste, and other open fires. To search for updated information regarding wildfires in your area, please click here. 

Safety tips for protecting your home and community: 

• Pay attention to emergency alerts and notifications for information and instructions from your local emergency management department.
• Avoid outdoor burning. Many Florida counties have enacted burn bans. You can find out if your county has an active burn ban here: www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Information">www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Information  
• Clean roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials such as pine needles, leaves, branches, etc. 
• Mow vegetation within 100 feet of your home 
• Keep 100 feet of garden hose attached to the spigot 
• Keep wood piles, fuel tanks, and other burnable materials 30 ft from structures.  
• Never throw cigarette butts out of a vehicle. 
• Avoid driving or parking on dry grass – hot exhaust can spark fires. 
• Firmly secure all vehicle chains and hitches that can cause sparks. 
• Keep insurance policies and personal documents up to date and secured in a password-protected digital space