Burn ban extended seven more days

Jeremy Robshaw, Public Information Officer with St. Johns County Fire Rescue, informed Historic City News local reporters that after consideration of current fire conditions, County Commissioners have adopted a resolution which authorizes the county administrator to extend a burn ban for St. Johns County effective tomorrow.

“Significant rainfall is not expected in our area for at least another 7 days — meaning drought conditions will not improve,” Robshaw said. “Conditions will remain un-favorable for most types of outdoor burning.”

The burn ban will remain active for a seven (7) day period through 1/18/2011. At the conclusion of the seven days, county officials will re-evaluate the weather and fire conditions in St. Johns County and decide whether or not to extend or lift the ban on outdoor burning. This is the second such extension since the burn ban was put in place during an emergency meeting of the county commission on December 29th.

The burn ban pertains to residential outdoor burning such as leaves, yard debris, 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,” Robshaw told Historic City News. “The plan which includes two evacuation routes, a ready supply of food, water and medical needs, should be made before an emergency occurs.”

Robshaw also recommends that you create a “defensible space” surrounding your home — free of debris. “Clean gutters and roofs of leaves or branches that could easily ignite during a fire,” Robshaw said.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer