As Florida observes Arson Awareness Week from May 4th to 10th, 2025, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are underscoring the significant dangers posed by wildfire arson and urging residents to report any suspicious activity.
“Arson is a serious crime that puts lives, property, and our natural resources at risk. During Arson Awareness Week, we are reminding all Floridians to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity,” stated Commissioner Simpson. He emphasized the heightened risk during the current dry season, noting that “one careless or criminal act can devastate thousands of acres. Our department remains committed to preventing wildfires and bringing arsonists to justice.”
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The reminder comes at a critical time, as portions of Florida are currently experiencing drought conditions, leading to burn bans in 23 counties. Already this year, the state has grappled with 1,761 wildfires that have consumed a staggering 74,891 acres. Arson on wooded lands carries a hefty financial burden for Florida taxpayers, costing millions annually. Furthermore, it is a felony offense punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service, echoed Commissioner Simpson’s concerns. “Man-made fires are still the number one cause of wildfires in Florida, and arson is a serious crime that we do not tolerate,” he asserted. “If you see suspicious activity, help protect the lives of citizens and first responders by reporting it.”
The Florida Forest Service has provided clear guidelines for residents who witness potential arson activity. They advise callers to first contact 911 in case of an active fire and then immediately follow up by calling the Arson Alert Hotline at (800) 342-5869. It is crucial not to approach any suspects.
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When reporting, individuals should attempt to provide detailed physical descriptions of any individuals involved, along with descriptions of any vehicles, including license plate numbers, and the precise location where the suspicious behavior was observed.
The Arson Alert Hotline allows callers to remain anonymous, and any information that leads to the arrest of an arsonist could result in a reward of up to $5,000. Floridians seeking more information about wildfire prevention and the Arson Alert program can visit FDACS.gov/Arson.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, plays a vital role in managing over 1 million acres of state forests and providing forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests.
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