Posted Saturday, April 1, 2017 10:06 am

Florida - The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam, has announced that Florida wildfires have burned 250% more acreage during the 1st 3 months of 2017 than last year during the same period.

More than 1000 wildfires have burned more than 46,000 acres, which is an increase from approximately 700 wildfires that burned 12,900 acres during the 1st 3 months of 2016.

Commissioner Putnam and the Florida Forest Service (FFS) urge the public to use extreme caution when handling outdoor fires and heat sources as dry conditions are forecast to continue throughout the next few months.

"I applaud our wildland firefighters for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding our citizens, property and wildlife," said Commissioner Putnam. "Floridians can do their part by taking the appropriate precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires."

"When exercising caution, our residents and visitors play a critical role in protecting not only Florida's wildlife and natural habitats, but the lives of our wildland firefighters and first responders," said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester.

The FFS urges residents to remember the following:

Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan.

Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire.

Obey Florida's outdoor burning laws.

Never burn on windy days.

Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris.

Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended.

Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

Photo courtesy of Tom Fawls and Shutterstock.com.

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