Preventing Wildfires During Dry Season

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. -- As South Florida's dry season begins, firefighters with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue urged residents to take precautions against wildfires.

The dry season begins each fall, bringing dry conditions and steady winds that officials say contribute to wildfires.

In order to prevent wildfires, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said residents should:

Remove shrubs, brush, wood piles and other debris that is within 30 feet of your home.

Make sure any trees are at least 10 feet from your home.

Keep garden hoses connected at all sides of your home in case of an emergency.

Keep liquid propane gas tanks far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire.

Store gasoline in an approved safety can, far away from occupied buildings.

Make sure your family members know all emergency exits from your home and your neighborhood.

Make sure tree branches around your home are a safe distance away from power lines. If there is a problem, call the power company to clear the limbs.

Never dispose of a cigarette anywhere but in an ashtray or another proper receptacle.

For more information on how to keep your family safe from wildfires, visit the Florida Division of Forestry's wildfire page.