Escambia County Fire Rescue encourages residents to be prepared when wildland fires occur. Wildland fires are most common during summer months, when conditions are typically dry and hot. In the past 10 years, extreme weather conditions have contributed to larger and more intense wildfires. Weather conditions combined with other factors significantly increases the probability of larger wildfires.
“Residents should prepare now before peak fire season by creating a defensible space, hardening their home, and improving their home’s chance of surviving a wildfire,” Escambia County Deputy Fire Chief Paul Williams said. “Residents should also have driveways designed and capable to allow emergency vehicles access, wide enough and free of low hanging overhead obstacles, gates that open inwards, and their address clearly visible from the road. Taking steps to reduce your home’s exposure during a wildfire can help save your home as well as your neighbor’s home. Hardening your home from fires is just as important as hardening your home for hurricanes.”
ECFR encourages residents to learn more about Ready, Set, Go!, an action plan designed to help residents prepare for wildfires through advanced planning. Click here to learn more about Ready, Set, Go! and download a printable checklist. By taking proactive steps, such as creating a defensible space, hardening homes, and developing family evacuation plans, residents become an essential part of the community’s defense against wildfires.
“I fully support the Ready, Set, Go! Program and its mission to educate and empower our community in the face of wildland fire threats,” Escambia County Fire Chief Adam Harrison said. “The safety of our residents is our top priority, and preparation is key to saving lives and property. "While we train and prepare for these types of fires we also work and coordinate with other emergency services partners like the Florida Forest Service to mitigate these incidents. I strongly encourage all members of our community to learn more about the Ready, Set, Go! Program and take action today. Together, through preparedness, we can protect what matters most.”
For more information about the Ready, Set, Go! program, visit the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ website or wildlandfiresrsg.org.
