Be careful with fire sources during spring Published March 20, 2007 By Jerron Barnett Eglin Environmental Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Although Eglin's current fire danger level is currently listed as moderate, Eglin's wildland fire managers ask that people be very careful with fire sources here at the start of the spring wildfire season. "It's really dry on Eglin now," Chadwick Avery, Jackson Guard fire ecologist, said. "We advise people to be smart with fire sources since it is dry enough to cause a fire to burn very hot and very rapidly. A simple campfire or yard waste burn could quickly get out of control." Mr. Avery advises people to dispose of cigarettes properly as well. Eglin wildland fire managers are halfway through their prescribed burning season with more than 40,000 acres burned, and are always prepared to respond to an outbreak of wildfires. Jackson Guard's Fire Management section assisted other local firefighting organizations with an urban interface wildfire that occurred Sunday afternoon on Hurlburt Field. No structure damage or injuries were reported. The Florida Division of Forestry has also recently issued a reminder to the general public that spring wildfire season has begun. Every year at this time, numerous wildfires occur as a result of escaped yard trash burning. Fine, dead fuels from the past fall and winter, and native woody vegetation that burns very hot this time of year (even though it's green), combined with low humidity and unexpected wind gusts, can cause even a small fire to quickly get out of control. Authorizations will not be given for burning land acreage or piles larger than eight feet diameter, and the Division of Forestry recommends no outdoor burning at all until conditions improve. Call 957-6145 for more information.