Burn ban lifted for St. Johns County

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 officials have decided to lift the burn ban for St. Johns County.

The local State of Emergency in St. Johns County which included the burn ban was initiated for St. Johns County based on several key factors.

They are as follows; weather forecasts showed no significant periods of heavy rainfall for our area, we were experiencing strong, dry winds and relative humidity were at critical levels throughout St. Johns County.

Additionally, surrounding counties were experiencing significant fire conditions, with Division of Forestry (DOF) resources limited due to heavy fire activity throughout the state.

Currently, these conditions have subsided in St. Johns County. Should similar conditions return, county officials will re-evaluate and possibly re-instate the burn ban for St. Johns County.

Although critical fire conditions have lessened for our area, fire officials would still strongly discourage the burning of residential yard debris. Remember, curbside yard debris pick-up is available to St. Johns County residents.

All residents are still encouraged to prepare a home safety plan for members of their household, which includes two evacuation routes, a ready supply of food, water and medical needs, and a way to leave.

Also remember to 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.