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WILDFIRE UPDATE - 2008. Orange County Board of County Commissioners Presentation May 20, 2008. Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary. WILDFIRE OVERVIEW. Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness
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WILDFIRE UPDATE - 2008 Orange County Board of County CommissionersPresentation May 20, 2008
Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary WILDFIRE OVERVIEW
Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary WILDFIRE OVERVIEW
3 Engines and 1 Battalion Chief deployed to Brevard County -14 firefighters -Deployed May 12-16 1 Engine and 1 Battalion Chief to Volusia County -6 firefighters -Deployed May 12 These deployments are reimbursable through Statewide Mutual Aid Program Deployments
Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary WILDFIRE OVERVIEW
No appreciable rainfall in the current forecast May- Warm temperatures and low seasonal rainfall amounts Dry conditions to worsen through the end of May June- Conditions improve with the return of tropical storm season CURRENT CONDITIONS
Frequent Red Flag warnings Issued Daily by DOF Low Moisture High Winds Rapid Fire Spread CURRENT CONDITIONS
This continues to be an active fire season Increased fire danger and fire potential expected until substantial rainfall occurs CURRENT CONDITIONS
Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary WILDFIRE OVERVIEW
RECENT ACTIVITY • Wedgefield Fire • March 5, 2008 • 23 units, 48 firefighters • 60 acres • Example of urban/interface challenge • No structures damaged
RECENT ACTIVITY • Waterford Lakes Fire • April 27, 2008 • 20 acres • Initial response 26 units, 73 firefighters • Event lasted several days • No structures damaged
RECENT ACTIVITY • Innovation Way Fire • May 4, 2008 • 23 units, 37 firefighters • Remote fire with access issues • No structures damaged
Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary WILDFIRE OVERVIEW
More fuel on the ground available to burn Fallen trees limit access and movement for DOF plows and OCFRD brush trucks Results in more acres burned CHALLENGES Hurricane Debris
Homes built next to forest and wild land areas Decreased space between homes and woods CHALLENGES
CHALLENGES • Large conservation areas completely surrounded by homes • Presents an immediate threat to homes and our citizens • Requires immediate action by the Fire Department on all four fronts
Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary WILDFIRE OVERVIEW
Daily assessment of wildfire threat Additional units staffed Increase initial response assignment May compromise normalresponse PREPAREDNESS Additional Staffing
Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary WILDFIRE OVERVIEW
PREVENTION FIREWISE COMMUNITIES • Wedgefield is a FireWise community! • Clear 30-100 foot space around house • Keep gutters and roofs clear of debris • Remove combustibles away from house • Open burning safety
Deployments Current Conditions Recent Activity Challenges Preparedness Prevention Summary WILDFIRE OVERVIEW
We focus on protecting lives and structures Commit a lot of units and a lot of firefighters Work closely with the DOF, OCSO and FHP Code Red notification system SUMMARY WILDFIRE STRATEGY - OCFRD UCF
OCFRD is responding to approximately 5 wildfires every day Fire Rescue will continue to monitor conditions and protect the citizens of Orange County from wildfires SUMMARY
WILDFIRE UPDATE - 2008 Orange County Board of County CommissionersPresentation May 20, 2008