30-ACRE WILDFIRE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melissa Yunas April 26, 2018 (772) 260-00053 Twitter: @FFS_Okeechobee Facebook: @FFSOkeechobee

County and State Firefighters Suppress 30-Acre Wildfire

Ft. Drum, FL – County and State Firefighters suppressed an approximately 30-acre wildfire near NW 176th Ave and NW 316 Street. Winds were coming out the west, spreading the wildfire to the east at eight miles per hour. Okeechobee County Fire Rescue set-up structure protection around two campers and one resident. Minor damage did occur to several wood fences posts.

Reported: 04/26/2018 11:46 Contained: 100% at 04/26/2018 13:37 Fire Cause: Unauthorized debris pile burn Agencies on Scene: Approximately 20 - County and State Firefighters Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, 2 brush trucks, one water tender, and two engines Florida Forest Service – State Wildland Firefighters with two firefighting bulldozers

Despite the recent fall, the soil and the vegetation remains dry. Until Okeechobee County receives multiple bouts of rainfall, the Florida Forest Service is asking all residents to remain vigilant about wildfire safety. Give the Florida Forest Service a call before you burn at (863) 467-3221. Before you strike that match, ask the experts on how to keep your fire safe and legal. If your fire escapes your control, you maybe be held liable for suppression charges and any damages that occur.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

For questions about burn authorizations and wildfire prevention, please contact your local Florida Forest Service: Martin County (772) 221-4045; Saint Lucie County (772) 468-3915; Indian River County (772) 778-5085; Glades County (863) 674-4000; Highlands County (863) 655-6407; Okeechobee County (863) 467-3221

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