Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 6 on Big Pine Key at MCFR Station 13

BIG PINE KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue, the Florida Forest Service, and the National Weather Service are co-hosting Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Station 13, 390 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key. Both organizations are partnering with the National Fire Protection Association to promote simple tips to protect your home and community from wildfires. 

Preparation tips include planning two ways out of your neighborhood and clearing pine needles, leaves, and other debris from roofs, gutters, and decks. Disposal of lawn cuttings can reduce fuel for wildfire as well as keeping your lawns mowed and hydrated.

The event will have free fire prevention materials and snow cones. Children can also tour a fire truck and brush truck and meet firefighters and forest rangers along with Sparky the Fire Dog and Smokey the Bear. 

“The previous wildfires that impacted our County have shown that prevention is a key factor, especially in more rural areas,” said Monroe County Deputy Chief RL Colina. “The steps taken in preparing yourself, your family, and your homes for potential hazards help create informed citizens and better outcomes for the entire community in emergencies.”