Following a very active brush fire season, the Florida Forest Service urges residents to begin preparing for what this year's brush fire season may deliver.
Last year brush fires destroyed several homes and torched more than 10,000 acres of land and fire officials believe 2018's peak brush fire season could be just as active.
So far this year, brush fires have destroyed 164 acres across Southwest Florida. During the same time period last year, fires had already ripped through 636 acres which is nearly 4 times more.
Not knowing what to expect this year, the Florida Forest Service says being prepared is vital.
"Prepare your home. Make sure that dry vegetation is off the roof around the home in the gutters. Get all that stuff off. No overhanging branches. Keep the area clean, cleaning, green. And by doing all that it actually increases the safety of the home," Samantha Quinn, Mitigation Specialist, Florida Forest Service.
A wildfire and fire safety awareness event is being held on Saturday, February 24th at the Greater Naples Fire Department. Visitors will learn a number of safety measures including, CPR. The event is being held at 100 13th Street SW. You can call (239) 597-3222 for more information.
