Potential wildland fires may occur due to the recent dry conditions and steady winds, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said Tuesday.
Officials said a fire can go from being under control to damaging property quickly.
“All it takes is a discarded cigarette to set off an enormous and dangerous fire,” Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said in a statement.
Fire Extinguished at Hallandale Beach Retirement Resort
A grass fire in southwest Miami-Dade Sunday afternoon had firefighters working into the night and early Monday morning to contain the brush fire that burned about 45 acres.
Officials said the dry weather and gusty winds made it tougher to beat back the flames.
Miami Beach Fire Department Investigates Response Delay
The fire came close to a handful of homes, and some families were told to leave.
“Wildfires can cause major environmental, social and economic damage,” Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said. “The loss of timber, wildlife habitat, homes and even lives may result from a devastating wildfire.”
Local
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue put out a list of tips to help residents be prepared in case of fire:
• Shrubs, brush, wood piles and combustible debris should be removed within a radius of 30 feet from your home.
• The distance between your house and any nearby tree should be a minimum of 10 feet.
• Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid buildup of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.
• Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.
• LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of a fire.
• Store gasoline in an approved safety can, away from occupied buildings.
• Ensure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home and from your neighborhood.
• Around your home, make sure limbs are cleared back a safe distance from any overhead power lines. If you think there’s a problem, call your power company to clear the limbs.
• Never dispose of a cigarette anywhere but in an ashtray or in another proper receptacle.
For more information, contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.
