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Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District asks that all residents take extra precaution during the next few months – part of Lee County’s dry season. The district is seeing an increase in brush fires and “Red Flag Days” due to the extremely dry weather and heat. These types of conditions are the perfect recipe for quick starting brush fires.

“Our crews were out last Saturday, May 22, battling a large brush fire that spread from the outskirts of Hendry County into Lehigh. The fire was caused by an unauthorized burn. This type of fire could have been prevented if the person/s had made a wiser decision not to do a burn on these types of days,” said Katie Heck, Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District spokesperson.

On the same Saturday, another brush fire broke out in close proximity to houses, so close that an evacuation order was put in place.

“Nearly two acres were burned due to a camp fire that was left burning. Sometimes people think they have extinguished the flames but there are still ignited ashes burning below. Our crews had to work for over an hour to get the fire under control and put nearby homes at risk,” Heck said.

Besides maintaining a defensible space around the home, fire officials want the community to understand that they need to take extra caution right now due to the weather conditions. This means to avoid the following activities:

– Avoid the use of fireworks

– Avoid controlled burns

– Take extra precaution when using a fire pit and make sure it’s completely extinguished

– Cover outdoor grills to prevent let ashes form igniting nearby shrubs and grass

– Avoid idling vehicles over tall grass areas

Homeowners also need to remove fuel sources from around the home – known as the “home ignition zone.” The removal of this component can keep homes safe from embers and radiant heat from wildfires.

There are simple things residents can do in an afternoon or over a weekend that research shows will help your home survive a wildfire.

Here are some quick and simple projects that can make a big difference in your home’s safety:

– Clear off pine needles, dead leaves, and anything that can burn from roof lines, gutters, decks, and fence lines.

– Trim back any shrubs or tree branches that are closer than 5 feet to the house.

– Rake out any landscaping mulch that touches your home – if it is flammable it should be 5 feet away.

– Remove anything within 30 feet of your home that can burn, such as woodpiles, spare lumber, parked vehicles, or boats. These are items that can act as a large fuel source.

More information can be found on LAFCRD’s website, lehighfd.com.