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Local Wildfire Awareness and Precautions

An exceptionally dry season combined with low humidity and high winds has led to ideal conditions for wildfires, which have recently impacted Central Florida and which are expected to continue throughout the state.

Landscape & Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Security and Emergency Management, regularly monitors local conditions and takes preventative measures to mitigate fires in the natural areas of campus.

The UCF team includes trained professionals who are well equipped and experienced in dealing with wildfires and who work closely with state fire and forestry officials.

In the event of an imminent or actual emergency, students and faculty and staff members will be updated via UCF Alert. UCF Alert contact information can be updated via myUCF, and more information is available here: http://www.emergency.ucf.edu [1]

As UCF continues to take precautions, we encourage you to stay aware of local road conditions and to not take chances in the event a fire is impacting your area.

UCF Environmental Health & Safety also offers these practical fire safety tips:

  • Have a plan. Know your nearest fire exit, alarm and extinguisher, and don’t hesitate to evacuate quickly and safely in the event of a fire alarm.
  • Be mindful. Simple activities such as lighting up a BBQ or putting out a cigarette become more risky when coupled with favorable fire conditions.
  • Take care of yourself. Smoky conditions can impact personal health. Those with respiratory issues should avoid areas with heavy smoke.
  • To watch a video with more about UCF’s fire preparations, visit https://youtu.be/HrDfkbvtBgM [2].