By-Line: Julie Murphy, Flagler County Government
Though some areas of Flagler County started receiving rain on Wednesday, officials are extending the countywide burn ban for an additional seven days given the persistent dry conditions.
“Until we have accumulated enough rainfall, countywide, that significantly reduces the drought index, we will need to leave the Burn Ban in place,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “Additional rain is forecast, so we’ll hope for the best.”
The burn ban prohibits the following:
- Discharge/use of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other items containing any “explosive compound”
- Open burning, including the use of fire pits and containers
- Outdoor cookers and grills unless continuously attended by an adult
- Throwing matches, cigarettes, or other burning materials from vehicles
- Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
The rule of thumb for taking personal protective measures, accepted by a variety of fire prevention agencies, including the National Fire Protection Association, is that all flammable items within 30 feet of a structure should be removed. Homeowners should clear roofs, eaves, gutters, wood decks and patios of leaves, needles, and other debris.
“Additionally, do not store things under decks or porches, and consider using rocks or gravel in those areas instead of grass or mulch,” said Fire Chief Michael Tucker. “Wood-driven fires, like brushfires, create embers that can be carried quite far, and tend to find their way to the same nooks and crannies where leaves accumulate.”
Barbecue coals should be fully extinguished before adding them to garbage receptacles.
“Please take this burn ban seriously,” Tucker said. “We want everyone to stay safe.”
To see the entirety of the burn ban restrictions, please visit www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency and click on Emergency Notices.
