Burn Ban Continues in Flagler County

BUNNELL, FL -- Flagler County, under a State of Local Emergency since December 17 because of its rising drought index, has elected to keep the burn ban in force for another 7 days.

The ban lasts for 7 days, at which point it can be renewed for another 7 days if drought conditions persist.

Included in the ban are:
--Open Burning, including camp fires
--Open fire pits and containers
--Throwing matches or cigarettes from vehicles
--Parking vehicles with catalytic converters (which is most passenger vehicles) in grassy areas
--Holiday luminaries in paper bags

You will get a warning for a first offense, and up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine for a second offense. The burn ban is county-wide.

Barbecue grills are not included in the ban.

"We are erring on the side of safety over the holidays," says Emergency Services Director Nate McCollum, who adds that strong winds associated with storm fronts are a major danger in times of drought.

The drought index was created by the Division of Forestry, and rates from 0 (total saturation) to 800 (desert-like conditions).

Despite recent rains, Flagler County's index was at 547 a week ago, and hit 575 on Christmas Eve. Normally, the mark for a burn ban is 500.

County officials say they will be responding aggressively to any wildfire reports, and ask all citizens to call 911 immediately if they spot a wildfire.

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