Published on Saturday, May 26, 2007
in the Gainesville Sun

Florida is fuel for fire

The potential for wildfires in the state has become so serious, even Florida Highway Patrol troopers are trying to stop fires by watching for drivers who throw lit cigarette butts out of their vehicles.

Troopers in South Florida have been citing drivers who toss out cigarette butts for littering, said FHP spokesman Lt. Mike Burroughs. In North Florida, troopers will be stopping motorists and issuing warnings.

"The main thing is we want people to get into the habit of understanding that that could be a fire source," Burroughs said.

With statewide drought and little chance of a significant amount of rain in the state's immediate weather forecast, anything could start a fire, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson warned.

"Any little spark could be the catalyst for the next big wildfire," Bronson said. "Our foresters and firefighters from across the state and nation have been working tirelessly to protect people and property. They have a good handle on the fires but it is critical that everyone do their part in preventing additional fires."