When fires large and small rage throughout the state, hikers and hike leaders need to pay close attention to land management briefings.  The FTA office tries to stay on top of the major fires and posts news of them on our website, but the best advice we can give is to call the land manager before heading out to the trailhead.

At the time this report was written (2007) we have fires burning from Wakulla County to Baker County and all the way down to Monroe County.  We know that in Big Cypress National Preserve, in the Osceola National Forest, in Seminole State Forest and along the Suwannee River the Trail has been closed due to fire, heavy smoke and the need for local fire fighters to work unimpeded.  New fires are cropping up every day and local fire fighters are stretched thin on the ground.  In areas of old fires we have to wait until the fire is completely out before local maintainers can go in to assess damage to trail infrastructure.  This includes bridges, signage, and blazing which can effect a hiker’s ability to safely follow the trail.

If you are hiking during a fire season we suggest you follow these simple rules:

1)  Keep up on the local weather conditions in your area;

2)  Call your local land manager during the planning stages;

3)  Call the land manager again the day of your hike;

4)  Notify the land manager that you are hiking in the area and the route you are taking;

5)  Carry a cell phone in case of emergency;

6)  Make sure everyone in your group has a map of the area and agree upon emergency routes out of the area;

7)  Notify the land manager after you leave the woods and inform them of any fires or hot spots you may have noticed on your hike.

Most of all, think things through ahead of time and be prepared to evacuate or plan a back up location in case of fire.

And remember, let’s all be safe out there.

Deb Blick, Trail Resource Coordinator