Florida Wildfire Threat Growing

LAKE CITY, FL -- It's a familiar scenario for most of us in North-Central Florida...low rainfall, gusty winds, and dry conditions that add up to increased wildfires.

This year alone Florida has already had more than 2,000 wildfires that burned about 56,000 acres. And it won't be slowing down anytime soon. Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson says wildfire activity is expected to intensify in the coming days and weeks.

And one North-Central Florida Fire Department is gearing up for this challenge.

The Columbia County Fire Department recently added three new brush trucks to their fire fighting arsenal. The new trucks are Ford F-550 flatbeds and have all been fitted with a pump and tank. They will be used to fight brush and wildfires.

Older brush trucks at the station took a beating during the Bugaboo Wildfire in 2007.

CCFD Assistant Fire Chief Jim Cason says "brush trucks get beat up more than the average bear" and the new trucks will be helpful addition to thier station. They have been in use for about a month now. One of the trucks will even be making its way to Station 48 on Race Track Road when the station is completed.

In these high alert times, the firefighters' preparations are paying off.

Commissioner Bronson says the quick response of firefighters has kept the number of acres lower than would be expected during such dry conditions.

But you can make a difference too. Residents are asked not to throw lighted cigarettes out of car windows, avoid unnecessary outdoor burning, and use caution with power tools.

For other wildfire prevention tips visit the Florida Division of Forestry web site by clicking here.