Fire Chief Herminio Lorenzo has called for the cooperation of all Miami-Dade County residents in being extra cautious during the dry season.  "Prevention is the key in helping to reduce the number of human-caused fires," said Chief Lorenzo. The following tips are offered to protect lives and property:

• Never throw cigarette or cigar butts out of an automobile window.
• Avoid operating all-terrain vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes, pickup trucks and other vehicles in wooded areas and scrub during the dry season. Hot exhaust pipes and vehicle undercarriages and any kind of sparks can unintentionally start a wildfire.
• When using charcoal grills or wood fires, ensure that all embers are completely extinguished before walking away.
• Shrubs, brush, wood piles and combustible debris should be removed within a radius of 30 feet from your home.
• The distance between your house and any nearby tree should be a minimum of 10 feet.
• Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.
• Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.
• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of a fire.
• Store gasoline in an approved safety can, away from occupied buildings.
• Ensure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home.
• Ensure that you and your family know all emergency exit routes from your neighborhood.
• Around your home, make sure limbs are cleared back a safe distance from any overhead power lines.  If you think there's a problem, call your power company to clear the limbs.

Wildfires can cause major environmental, social and economic damage. The loss of timber, wildlife habitat, homes and even lives may result from a devastating wildfire. For more information, please contact MDFR's Media and Public Relations Bureau at 786-331-5200.