Dry conditions in some parts of Florida coupled with a long-range forecast calling for a significant drying cycle threaten a potentially severe wildfire season, state officials warned last week.

The lack of any major tropical storm activity so far this season and the existence of La Niña conditions, which are expected to continue until at least early next year, prompted the warning.

Meteorologists define La Niña conditions as abnormally cold sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which generally trigger severe wildfire activity in Florida. In fact, five of Florida's most active wildfire years have occurred during or immediately after a period when the Pacific Ocean had unusually cold sea temperatures.

The current weather cycle calls for a warmer and drier winter in Florida, and that combined with the lack of rainfall associated with tropical systems, is expected to produce the severe wildfire season.

Residents are urged to take precautions to limit the potential for damage. The three most important tips to protect homes from wildfires are:

• Clean roofs and gutters to eliminate debris, including leaves, twigs, pine needles and palm fronds.

• Keep the area directly next to the home free of anything that can easily catch fire, including flammable plants. They can be replaced with less flammable varieties.

• Maintain and keep the landscape within 30 foot of a home sufficiently watered to deter flames from approaching the home if a fire occurs.

Floridians can remain aware of the current wildfire danger in their areas by regularly checking the Fire Danger Index at http://fdi.fl-dof.com. The index is easy to understand as it uses a simple rating system that classifies regions of the state as having low, moderate, high, very high or extreme conditions.

Residents also can visit the Florida Division of Forestry website at http://www.FL-DOF.com or call their local Division of Forestry office.

Story provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.