We had the pleasure of having a visitor this month from the Florida Forestry Service. These men and women are a part of the first responders that come out to help save the camps in Suburban Estates when things get out of control, along with the Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS Department.
Ranger Rice had lots of info for us, with hand outs and brochures of some best-practices when you need assistance for preparing your camp for the dry season. He had some great points on history of how the 9 miles of Cypress in Suburban was the longest patch of Cypress in the world until what is known as the 9-mile fire destroyed it. He expressed that camps should be Wildfire Ready in the event of a fire that could possibly come in contact with structures in the area.
They have a saying that, they love the help but please have what’s called “situational awareness”. In other words, please keep out of their way when they are on the job as they have a plan, and you may get in the way of that plan if you are not aware of their intentions. They asked for a map of all current roads and camps, so if you would like your camp added to the map, we can get you in touch of the administrator of the map so help will know where to go when called. If you have heavy equipment and are trying to help, when they get to the scene just try to back off and let them work. They want to save your camp. They have cut fire breaks in the past and will continue that when fighting these fires and if you can keep them cut or improve them that is always a good thing. If you can help educate your neighbor or friends on safe burning that’s great, this could help save a camp or if you see someone or get them on camera you can report them, because lives could be in danger if these fires get out of control and people don’t have time to get clear of them.
When they bring in a bulldozer, they cannot go through the main gate and sometimes they can’t get in because their locks are gone; please if you see anyone messing with the locks, remember these are important for safety reasons also. The Osceola County Sherriff’s Office as well as other official departments have keys to the gate and it’s important that the entrance area is kept clear for emergency vehicles and first responders; you may not think so when you are blocking the road unloading your toys, but if there is an urgent call, don’t be the one in the way of a life-or-death situation.
When you build a fire, please try to clean out everything down to the mineral soil at least 10 foot to the outside edge of the fire line, then make sure you put it out when you leave… that’s a big deal there. Common sense is a big part of being safe, so please don’t leave that at home when you come to the woods; it does come in handy at times. It might not be a big deal anymore, but if you have a SXS or 4-wheeler and remove the spark arrester (Florida Statutes 261.20-4.b) please be careful; these are there to help reduce the chances of sparks from the engine from igniting the grass of brush and reduce fire hazards.
This month’s general meeting was very useful. If you clear your property, please call and get a burn permit. Burn piles need to be 300 feet from any structures. Yard trash is generally an 8×10 pile 25 feet from structures.
- The best fire extinguisher is: The biggest you can get.
- Fire Balls: You can mount these around your camp to go off in case of a fire.
- Water Tanks: If you have one with power and a pump they will use it if possible.
- Main way they fight fires is: Tractor and Plow
- If there is a fire: Call – 911
- Recourse for catching someone on camera setting fires: Call AG Law
FIRERESPONSE or FMIS is a public login to inquire about burn permits in your area.
Questions? 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (1-800-352-9832), Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST
