Fourth of July firework celebrations could be impacted if Florida’s severe drought conditions continue, according to Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson.
The Sunshine State has been experiencing one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, Simpson said Tuesday. Approximately 90% of Florida is in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
So far this year the Florida Forest Service has fought over 2,100 fires. In a typical year, the Florida Forest Service will fight a total of 2,300 to 2,400 fires, according to Simpson.
Though some recent rainfall has helped, it has also brought several lightning fires. Simpson said it would take at least a foot of rain to get most counties out of severe drought conditions and rainfall in June could make or break Fourth of July celebrations.
“You’re talking about potentially hundreds of thousands of people going out doing fireworks. You can put the entire state on fire in one evening all over the state all at one time. I think it’s going to be very important as we get closer to the Fourth of July – we all love the 250th celebration we’re going to have this year – but we probably ought to be considering alternatives. Of course if we get a big rain in June, plenty of rain in June, maybe that will change but it’s something that people should certainly be planning for,” said Simpson.
Around 40 counties have burn bans in place. Despite that, the leading cause of fires remains backyard fires and arson.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said those who violate burn bans can expect penalties and legal action.
“People at home need to take this seriously. I love a good bonfire as much as anybody. But with our record droughts and the dry climate, unfortunately accidents can happen. Things can go wrong and before you know it a fire can be out of hand and endanger our communities. Here in Florida, if you intentionally cause arson you’re looking at five years behind bars and serious fines. If you intentionally start a fire that spreads and causes death and very serious injury, you’re looking at a lot more time than that behind bars and even more serious fines,” said Uthmeier. “Even if you act recklessly and without intention to do serious harm, nonetheless if you act recklessly and cause a fire that engages and causes destruction across communities you’re still looking at time behind bars and fines. We will prosecute cases.”
