Commission takes emergency burn ban action

Historic City News public safety reporters were watching today during an emergency meeting of the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners when they adopted a resolution which authorizes the county administrator to enact a burn ban for St. Johns County effective immediately.

After consideration of current fire conditions, both across the state and locally, and the fact that significant rainfall is not expected in our area for at least another 7 days, Commissioners say they had no choice but to authorize the burn ban.

“Drought conditions will not improve, and conditions will remain unfavorable for most types of outdoor burning,” said Jeremy Robshaw, Public Information Officer for St. Johns County Fire Rescue.

The burn ban will remain active for a seven (7) day period through 1/4/2011. At the conclusion of the seven days, county officials will evaluate the weather and fire conditions in St. Johns County and decide whether or not to extend or lift the ban on outdoor burning.

The burn ban pertains to residential outdoor burning such as leaves, yard debris, and fireworks of any kind, campfires, flares or other outdoor burning devices.

Types of burning still allowed are limited to campfires located within a metal ring, and only if they are located within a state park or licensed campground. In addition, cooking fires within a barbeque grill, hibachi or other similar device specifically intended for cooking are still permitted.

While no major wildfires are occurring in St. Johns County at this time, officials encourage all residents to prepare a home safety plan for all members of their household, which includes two evacuation routes, a ready supply of food, water and medical needs, and a way to leave.

Remember to create a defensible, debris-free space surrounding your home. Clean gutters and roofs of leaves or branches that could easily ignite during a fire.