Florida officials warn residents to prepare for wildfire season

ORLANDO, Fla. — Some Florida officials are warning about a possible increase in the chances of wildfires this year.

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Officials with emergency management list the current threat as low because of a wetter-than-normal winter.

However, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said people should limit the amount of debris on their property as wildfire season begins.

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“Prepare your home regularly by clearing your roof and gutters or prepare your yard by creating and maintaining a defensible space around your home,” Simpson said.

The Florida Forest Service has responded to more than 500 fires so far this year.

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Conditions have also allowed the agency to conduct prescribed burns to reduce kindling that feeds wildfires.

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