The Withlacoochee Forestry Center has seen an increase in wildfires due to lightening. 

Forest Rangers, Florida's wildland firefighters, responded to 65 wildfires between March and June 2015 with 23% caused by lightening.

Fire season in Florida typically runs year round, with the majority of fires occurring from December through July.

While there are a higher number of fires in the early part of the year more wildland acreage is burned during the spring months.

Most of the fires in the winter are human caused and remain relatively small, while fires in the spring and summer are caused by lightning and can burn large amounts of land.

Some tips to prevent them:

  • Be careful when using fire for anything - including campfires and barbecues.
  • Make sure someone watches the fire at all times until it is out.
  • Closely watch for any sparks that might fly from equipment you may be using.
  • This includes not only grinding equipment and torches, but also any lawn care equipment and off road vehicles.
  • Be sure that spark arrestors are in place on all engines used near wildland fuel. Have these engines tuned so they don't back fire.
  • Supervise children and be sure they understand the dangers of fire and the possible consequences of their actions.
  • Report any fire immediately to 911!
  • If parking on dry grass or brush, remember that the heat of your car can start a fire.
  • Extinguish all smoking materials before discarding.

Take some time to pick up your yard and clean your roof so you don't invite a wildfire to your home.

Some precautions you can take if you encounter smoke from a wildfire:

  • Bring your pets inside
  • Close windows to prevent drift smoke from entering your home
  • Store lawn furniture in the garage to keep it clean
  • Remove laundry from clothes lines
  • Cover pools and hot tubs
  •  Stay indoors if you have respiratory problems
  • Slow down if you encounter smoke on the road

The Florida Forest Service manages more than 1 million acres of public forest land while protecting 26 million acres of homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire. For more information about the Florida Forest Service, go to www.FloridaForestService.com.