FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    John Wilson, Lee County Public Safety
                (941) 335-1600

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 13, 2001) – The Board of Lee County Commissioners extended today for another two weeks a "State of Local Emergency" because of the high and continuing threat of brush fires in the county.

A state of emergency declaration makes the county eligible for federal fire suppression funds and temporarily increases the Public Safety Division’s ability to combat emergencies, including being able to expend additional funds, order evacuations and open shelters. It also is a signal to residents that they should be aware of the potential threat of brush fires in the area.

The Board will receive a status report on the state of emergency at its March 27 meeting to decide whether to continue it again.

On Feb. 23, the Governor declared a State of Emergency because the danger of wildfire continues to threaten the state with a major disaster. On Feb. 26, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner issued an emergency declaration banning outdoor burning for 39 of Florida’s 67 counties, including Lee.

For tips on how to protect your property from wildfires, visit Lee County’s website at www.lee-county.com and click on "Tips for Protecting Your Property Against Wildfires" under Lee County Information.

For more information on Florida’s drought and wildland fire safety, you also can visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the Internet at www.floridadisaster.org or the Florida Division of Forestry at www.fl-dof.com.