TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – As extreme drought conditions continue across the Big Bend and South Georgia, several counties are declaring burn bans.
This list will continue to be updated as we learn more.
Big BendLeon County
Leon County extended its latest temporary burn ban for a second time on April 10.
The ban will remain in effect through Friday, April 17, at 5 p.m., according to county officials.
County Commission Chairman Christian Caban said during an unrelated press conference Friday morning that the drought has gotten worse. “Leon County, particularly and surrounding counties is at the worst part of the drought in Florida,” he said.
Caban went on to reveal during the press conference that the county has received 12 inches less rain than last year.
The extension of the burn ban comes after county officials announced last week that the ban, initially expected to end April 3, would remain in effect through Friday, April 10, at 5 p.m.
During the ban, county officials said that all open burning in the county not authorized by the Florida Forest Service is prohibited.
That includes the burning of yard debris, land-clearing fires, brush piles and site-preparation burns, bonfires, campfires, fire pits and similar ceremonial or recreational fires on both private and public property, the burning of solid waste, construction debris or household trash, along with the use of burn barrels or similar devices for outdoor burning, per the county.
Violations of the burn ban may be subject to fines and other penalties, according to county officials.
To learn more about the extension, click here.
Wakulla County
A burn ban was declared in Wakulla County on April 15.
During a brief special meeting, commissioners approved a local state of emergency due to drought and put a county-wide burn ban in place.
That means outdoor burning, including campfires, is not allowed. However, cooking food inside an enclosed grill is allowed.
The ban will be in place for a week, and can be extended a week at a time as needed.
Gadsden County
Gadsden County has issued a county-wide burn ban, according to the county’s emergency management.
The burn ban was issued because of “dangerous weather conditions” including drought, low humidity and high winds.
Gadsden County emergency management said those conditions increase the risk of wildfires.
Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning not cleared by the Florida Forest Service is prohibited.
However, outdoor cooking and indoor fireplaces or stoves are allowed with caution.
The ban is expected to last for a week until it is either extended or rescinded.
“This action is necessary to protect lives, property, and public safety. We ask all residents to remain vigilant and do your part to prevent wildfires,” the county’s emergency management said.
Jefferson County
A burn ban is in place on outdoor burning “until such time as lifted by the Fire Chief,” according to the Jefferson County Fire Rescue.
The fire rescue said that setting fire to any debris piles, grass or forest-covered land is banned and illegal.
Fires conducted by the Florida Forest Service or ordinary grilling are not prohibited by this ban, according to the fire rescue.
Franklin County
Franklin County declared a countywide burn ban on April 8.
The ban takes effect amid continued “lack of rainfall, high winds, and extreme drought,” according to the county.
The following is banned, according to the county’s order:
Open burning, except (a) outdoor grills used in preparing food; and (b) commercial land clearing where on-site inspection and approval has been granted by the Florida Forest Service, on a case-by-case basis, and it is determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on-site.The sale, use and/or discharge of items listed in Florida Statute 791.01(4)(fireworks) using explosive or combustible compounds.The use or discharge of flares.The use of outdoor burning devices, excluding attended and monitored barbeque or cooking equipmentAny otherwise lawful outdoor burning, such as lawn, debris, or trash burning.The parking of vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas.The disposal of matches or cigarettes, etc., except in proper disposal containers.The burning of yard debris, land-clearing fires, brush piles and similar site-preparation burns, campfires, bonfires, fire pits and other recreational or ceremonial fires, burning of household trash, construction debris or other solid waste and the use of burn barrels or similar devices for outdoor burning.
The burn ban will remain in place for the foreseeable future until the county amends or rescinds the ban.
Liberty County
A burn ban was declared in Liberty County on March 24, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Officials cited increasingly dry conditions and heightened risks of wildfires as the reason for the ban.
Calhoun County
A burn ban was declared in Calhoun County in November, which prohibits all open burning, per the Calhoun County Emergency Management.
“This action is intended to protect lives and property due to our extremely dry conditions, elevated fire danger, and reduced chance for meaningful rainfall in the near future,” Calhoun County Emergency Management wrote in a social post.
However, the Florida Forest Service is permitted to burn, along with monitored grilling and cooking fires, while the ban is in effect.
The Calhoun County Emergency Management also wrote that burning done under the supervision of firefighters ”for the purpose of organized firefighting training” is also allowed.
South GeorgiaLowndes County
Until drought conditions improve, Lowndes County first responders say all open burning of yard debris, including grass, leaves, limbs and other vegetative matter, is prohibited within the unincorporated area.
Bainbridge and Decatur County
A burn ban is in effect for Bainbridge and Decatur County, officials announced on Wednesday, April 15.
City leaders advise the community to stay safe by:
Avoiding all outdoor burningProperly disposing of yard debrisStaying alert and reporting any signs of fire
Dry conditions and weather factors could cause fires to spread rapidly and become dangerous, officials said.
The burn ban is in effect until further notice.
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