Due to extremely dry conditions caused by the ongoing three-year drought, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has suspended controlled burns on District lands and is asking outdoor enthusiasts to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires.
Dry weather is expected to continue through June. In addition to the lack of rain, several freezes over the past several months have made grasses and other light vegetation extremely dry and volatile, increasing the potential for wildfires.
District staff has suspended controlled burns until further notice and is asking campers and other outdoor enthusiasts to take the following precautions:
- Campfires and other sources of open flames are not allowed on District lands at this time.
- Be careful with gas lanterns, gas stoves and anything that can be a source of ignition for a wildfire.
- All vehicles, including all terrain vehicles and off-highway vehicles, must stay on designated roadways or trails. Avoid driving vehicles on roads with tall, dead grass.
- Vehicle catalytic converters get very hot and can quickly ignite dry brush or other vegetation like pine needles or dead leaves. Avoid parking vehicles in areas of dead grass, brush or other vegetation. Park in areas with little or no vegetation or over low “green” vegetation.
- Dispose of smoking materials properly; do not toss them on the ground.
- Carry a shovel and fire extinguisher in your vehicle.
The District also asks that if people see a fire while on District land, please call 911.
The District owns and manages approximately 350,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands for water resource and natural systems protection.