April 6-12 has been designated as Wildfire Awareness Week in recognition of Florida's devastating 1998 wildfire season, when more than half a million acres burned and 337 homes and other structures were damaged or destroyed by wildfires statewide.

"March, April and May are usually the most active months of Florida's year round wildfire season," said Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson. "We have been fortunate in the amount of rainfall we have received up to this point this year, but there is a very good chance that we will see an increase in wildfire activity over the next few months."

The Division of Forestry responds to an increased number of escaped yard debris fires this time of year. Bronson urges residents to use caution when burning yard waste and to follow the guidelines set by the Division of Forestry.

• Yard waste is vegetative debris such as grass clippings, brush, leaves, tree limbs, etc., that are a result of yard maintenance.
• Burning yard waste does not require an authorization from the Division of Forestry, but you should check with your local city or county officials to see if there are any restrictions in your area.
• Your fire must be contained in an 8 foot diameter pile or non combustible barrel and must be at least 25 feet from forests, 25 feet from your house, 50 feet from a paved public road and 150 feet from other occupied buildings.
• Don't burn on windy days or when the humidity is below 30 percent.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before you leave.
• Keep a shovel or water hose handy.
• If your fire escapes, you may be liable for suppression costs and damage to the property of others.

Since January 1, 776 wildfires have burned 14,523 acres in Florida. Most of these fires were caused by human carelessness.

"Floridians can take additional precautions to help prevent wildfires by reporting all suspicious fires to 911 or their local DOF office, never leaving a campfire unattended, disposing of cigarettes properly and making sure all vehicles and equipment have properly working spark arresters," Bronson said.

Contact your local Division of Forestry office for more information on fire prevention tips and burning rules and regulations, or visit the Division of Forestry's website at www.fl-dof.com.