Florida Governor Crist Surveys Wildfires, Encourages Caution

May 9, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp today visited areas affected by the more than 225 wildfires in Florida. Governor Crist also took an aerial tour to survey the damage and visited with some of the more than 960 state and local personnel involved in fighting and containing the fires. Currently, wildfires are impacting 52 of Florida’s 67 counties.

“I urge the people of Florida to use extreme caution in areas affected by smoke and wildfires,” Governor Crist said. “Fire conditions can change very rapidly, so it is important to stay tuned to local news coverage and respond quickly to any instruction by local officials.”

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State agencies are working as a team with fire chiefs throughout Florida and the Florida National Guard. All are assisting the Division of Forestry within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Federal Emergency Management Agency liaisons are located at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. Requests for assistance and back-up personnel have been made to states as far west as Texas and as far north as Virginia. Helicopter crews are anticipated from South Carolina and Georgia.

Additionally, on May 8, 2007, Commissioner Charles H. Bronson of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued a statewide ban on burning yard debris until Florida’s weather conditions improve. The goal of the ban is to reduce the potential for additional wildfires.

Safety Tips for Individuals in the Wildfire Areas

Stay tuned to local media and be prepared to evacuate quickly.

When driving in areas affected by smoke, motorists should turn on lights, slow down and be cautious.

Use extreme caution with cigarette butts, firecrackers, and barbecue pits.

Stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke, especially those individuals with asthma and other chronic respiratory or lung conditions.

Take steps to protect yourself and your family from the health effects of smoke by staying indoors and avoiding prolonged outdoor activities.

Governor Crist issued Executive Order 07-86 that declared a state of emergency on May 3, 2007, because most of the state was experiencing drought conditions in varying degrees.

“We are in the unusual situation of fighting wildfires throughout much of the state while also preparing for rainfall in Northeast Florida from Subtropical Storm Andrea,” Governor Crist said. “Our state and federal partners are working as a team to ensure the safety of Floridians first, and then homes, schools and businesses.”

Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp received a wildfire briefing regarding wildfires in Lee and Collier counties from Hank Graham, manager of the Florida Division of Forestry, Caloosahatchee District Office. Representatives from the Collier Fire Department and East Naples Fire District also attended the briefing.

“It is important to use common sense with cigarette butts and other fire hazards during this very dry season,” Lt. Governor Kottkamp said. “Safety is our number-one priority, and we are closely monitoring the wildfire situation and ready to offer assistance to local authorities as soon as it is needed.”

For more information, please visit www.floridadisaster.org.

Source: Florida Governor