The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is encouraging residents to take protective measures to help prevent wildfires near their homes. These measures include:

•Exercising extreme caution when using and disposing of items that may spark a fire such as cigarettes and fireworks.

•Storing flammable materials, liquids and solvents in approved safety containers outside your residence and at least 30 feet from structures and wooden fences.

•Keeping lawns trimmed, leaves raked and clearing dead limbs and debris from roof and rain gutters, then properly containing and disposing of debris and clippings.

•Stacking firewood at least 30 feet from your residence.

Residents are also reminded that Duval County prohibits any open burning of yard waste on premises. This includes grass clippings, brush, leaves, tree limbs, etc. If a wildfire begins in your area, call 911.

For a comprehensive listing of prevention and protection measures visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Wildfire Web site pages at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/index.shtm