Florida remains in a state of emergency as active wildfires burn throughout Central Florida. One is still burning in Polk County.
- Dry condition concern Osceola residents
- County remains under burn ban
- Florida dealing with dozens of active wildfires
Those living in heavily forested areas in the county next door, Osceola County are taking precautions.
Blanca Adamski lives in rural St. Cloud; the dry weather is a concern for her.
“Well, you see how close [these trees are]," she said. "If that lights up my roof is going to get fire. So I worry about that, you know?”
Because of the lack of rain, Adamski finds herself watering her plants frequently. She says she smells smoke in the area often, which scares her, especially because of her elderly father who lives nearby, but alone. She makes sure to check on him daily.
“You put a match here and everything is going to go flying, look at all the trees we have here," said Adamski. "You see my property back there we all have an acre, so one little match and that’s it.”
It is so dry in Osceola County that it is under a burn ban due to the conditions. Osceola County Fire Chief Daniel McAvoy expects the ban to last for a while. He said residents should take precautions to keep safe.
“One of the things is to keep the foliage trees at least 30 feet away from your home. Make it happen. You know, cut it down, tear the trees down," stated McAvoy. "Whatever you gotta do, you gotta do to protect yourself.”
Adamski is looking into cutting the trees surrounding her and her father’s home as a precaution. “I just hope we get rain. Cause everything is drying up. Everything is dying. Look at all the palm trees. Mostly the fires that is what I am worried about.”