TALLAHASSEE — Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 17 active wildfires in Florida burning 27,199acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

• DeSoto Highlands Line, DeSoto County: 200 acres and 100 percent contained.
• Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

• Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
• Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
• Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
• Never burn on windy days;
• Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
• Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
• Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

–Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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