Wildfire Threat Remains High in Land O' Lakes Area

The state of Florida experiences more than 4,000 wildfires each year.

This year alone the state has already battled over 1,000 wildfires on 20,430 acres.

And Tampa Bay is home to many of these blazes.  In nearby New Port Richey, an April brush fire caused smoke concerns for days. Reports of wildfires have been commonplace this year, as well, in south Hillsborough County.

The Land 'O Lakes area isn't immune either. That's why state officials are trying to get fire prevention on residents' minds.

Wildfire Awareness Week in Florida ran through April 12, but just because it's over doesn't mean the threat has passed. The awareness week is a time the Florida Department of Emergency Management and National Fire Protection Association set aside to educate the public on how to protect themselves from the dangers of wildfires and how to prevent them.

"Wildfires can occur year round in Florida," said Bryan Koon, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director. "Have a current emergency plan and be proactive in your efforts to keep your home and family safe during a fire emergency by taking necessary precautions."

The leading causes of wildfires are arson, yard debris, trash fires and lighting.

The Brooker Creek Preserve in May of last year was said to have been started by lighting striking.

The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise program encourages homeowners to use the following prevention measures to decrease wildfires. 

• Planting fire-resistant vegetation
• Trim trees to a height of 15 feet near structures
• Clear brush up to 30 feet around your home
• Keep roof gutters free of debris

The weather also plays a large role in wildfire prevalence. More rain equals less fires.

This weekend the Land 'O Lakes area will see chances of rain and thunderstorms throughout with the highest - 50 percent - during the day Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will remain in the low to mid-80s with the high 60s and low 70s at night.