Threat Of Wildfires High

It's a tinder box out there.

Dry conditions are prompting officials to warn of the threat of wildfires. The Division of Forestry puts the fire threat in Hernando County at high.

Several frosts have left much dead or dormant grass and brush in their wake. It's typical for this time of year, but the prime fuel for fires is even higher because of three years of drought, said Don Ruths, wildfire mitigation specialist for the forestry division.

Low humidity and high winds escalate the potential danger, Ruths said.

There is currently no burning restriction in the county, but residents should be careful, he said.

"Keep (fires) a reasonable size and keep an eye on them at all times," Ruths advised.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, known as Swiftmud, is asking outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions when visiting district land.

Here are some tips offered by Swiftmud:

• Vehicle catalytic converters get very hot and can quickly ignite dry brush. Avoid parking vehicles in areas of dead grass, brush or other vegetation.

• Avoid driving vehicles on roads with tall, dead grass.

• Dispose of smoking materials properly; do not toss them on the ground.

• Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings, fire pans or mound fires. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.

• Do not cut down trees or bushes for firewood.

• When extinguishing a fire, pour water on it to extinguish all embers. If water is not available, use dirt. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.