Florida's growing wildfire problem
As more homes are built in rural areas, the options for controlled burns to eliminate brush are limited.
from the May 11, 2007 edition
Page 2 of 3
In Florida, more than 200 wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres this week. Near Naples on Tuesday, a 13,000-acre blaze forced the evacuation of about a dozen residences Tuesday, and one home and two mobile homes were lost. Up near Jacksonville in Bradford County, two fires merged Monday to become a 16,000-acre blaze. Near Orlando, some 6,000 acres burned in Flagler County, and some 1,000 acres burned in Lake County.
One reason for the burst of wildfires: a persistent drought this spring.
However, a subtropical storm, Andrea, was brewing off the coast of the southeastern United States. For now, though, winds from the storm simply pushed smoke throughout Florida. Authorities advised the elderly and those with respiratory problems to remain indoors. Some roadways were closed because of poor visibility.
As early as last week, Gov. Charlie Crist (R) declared a state of emergency.
To mitigate the risks posed by wildfires, residents should clear property of brush, dead trees, and especially unkempt foliage growing close to their homes, says Jim Harrell, spokesman for the Florida Division of Forestry.
"Conditions and the wildfires are much more dangerous each year," says Mr. Harrell, who confirms that some controlled burns are being prevented by housing developments going farther into wooded areas. "You don't have low fires. You have tremendous wildfires."
Such fires are also flaring up in Georgia, where dry pine needles blanket forest floors, says Warren Bielenberg, spokesman for the Georgia Forestry Commission. This week, the largest fire there was in Ware and Charlton counties, where more than 107,000 acres have burned, says Mr. Bielenberg. The fire started April 16 when a tree fell on a power line. Stoked by winds, it has destroyed 24 buildings, including 18 residences.
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