Washington, Feb. 3 -- Congressman Jimmy Patronis issued the following press release:
Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued a statement regarding the Blackwater River State Forest Fires in Santa Rosa County. Both leaders urged area residents to stay vigilant, listen to area officials, and make fire safety a top priority as areas throughout the Florida panhandle are dry and susceptible to fires.
"Colder temperatures don't eliminate wildfire danger. Dry air and seasonal winds can create conditions that allow fires to spread rapidly," said Congressman Patronis. "Thanks to Florida's prescribed burn program, this fire was far less intense than it could have been. That proactive approach ...