As most of our customers and partners know, Joe Taylor Restoration services Southwest Florida, covering Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Hendry, Glades, and De Soto Counties. But what our friends, especially on Florida’s east coast, may not realize is that, due to extreme drought, several of these counties are currently being affected by wildfires.

Last month, CNN reported that many homes, cars, and other property in Lee County were damaged or destroyed, prompting a mandatory evacuation in that county and several others in Southwest Florida. In Collier County, Governor Rick Scott deployed the state’s National Guard, including five UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, to help firefighters mitigate the massive wildfire there.

What’s happening in Southwest Florida is a snapshot of what is occurring all over the state. According to U.S. News and World Report, Florida state officials confirmed that there have been more than 2,100 wildfires in Florida that have burned 170,000 acres since the start of 2017. Florida Agriculture Commissioner, Adam Putnam, said that more than 127 active Florida fires were burning as of Monday, and that there may not be an end in sight. He predicted drought conditions and high wildfire danger to continue for some time since May is traditionally one of the driest months of the year in Florida.

The National Interagency Fire Center and other fire agencies are forecasting the risk for Florida fires to continue through the end of August. With a threat of this magnitude looming, Governor Rick Scott has declared a State of Emergency, and instituted burn bans, which prohibit the burning of yard debris, campfires, and bonfires, across the state.

CBS Miami encouraged those in areas threatened by wildfire to create 30 feet of ‘defensible space’ around the home in an effort to prevent the spread of fires and damage to the home. To do this:

• Start with allowing 3 feet around the home to be free of tall, fire-prone plants.
• Opt for low growing, fire resistant plans and use mulches like rocks or chunky bark.
• Space out the plants so that none are placed right under a window or vents leading into the home.

Our hearts go out to those who are dealing with wildfires in communities all over Florida. We pray that the firefighters and people in the path of Florida fires are kept safe, and that there is an end to the property damage and destruction. It is unfortunate, but whether in the case of a stove fire in the kitchen, or wildfires like those above, fire damage happens. And when it does, the team at Joe Taylor Restoration is here to help! We are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on both Florida coasts to respond to your fire emergency.