Volusia County Fire Rescue Shares Wildfire Safety Tips
Posted On: April 11, 2025
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for Volusia County and six other east central Florida counties, alerting residents to an increased risk of wildfires.
A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to produce elevated fire danger. The NWS based the warning on several factors, including the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index (KDBI), which measures the amount of rain needed to return soil to full field capacity. The index ranges from zero to 800, with zero being saturation and 800 being desert-dry.
Volusia County’s KDBI reached 505 today, compared to a statewide average of 355.
Volusia County Fire Chief Joe King urges residents to follow these safety tips:
- When cooking outdoors, watch the grill constantly and dispose of charcoal properly.
- Do not throw cigarettes from motor vehicles.
- Do not park hot cars, tractors or lawn mowers on dry grass.
- Do not operate all-terrain vehicles on dry grass.
- Check lawnmowers and farm equipment for properly working spark arresters.
- Clear the area around campfires down to bare soil.
- Do not burn yard waste during dry, windy conditions.
Keep your home safe from fires by clearing leaves from the roof and gutters. Create defensible space by removing dead vegetation within 30 feet of the perimeter of your home. Trim trees and limbs within 15 feet of your chimney and make sure you have a properly working spark arrester on your chimney.
