Countywide burn ban ordered today

Responding to an emergency meeting called by County Staff, Historic City News was on hand this morning when three members of the county commission convened to address fire-safety concerns.

County Attorney Patrick McCormack addressed St. Johns County commissioners Jay Morris, Cyndi Stevenson and Chairman Ken Bryan to consider and possibly take action concerning reinstituting a burn ban in St. Johns County.

The meeting, which was limited to fire threat conditions, was held in the San Sebastian Conference Room of the County Administration Building and was also attended by Public Information Officer Karen Pan, County Administrator Michael Wanchick, Assistant Administrator Darrell Locklear, Assistant Jerry Cameron and Historic City News editor Michael Gold.

After discussion, Resolution 2011-136 was adopted on a 3-0 vote; as was Emergency Order 2011-1.

Chairman Bryan asked staff to consider some form of notification at the point-of-sale of holiday fireworks; indicating that, although the purchase and sale of such items is not illegal, the discharge of fireworks during the ban period is prohibited by ordinance.

The burn ban is effective immediately and will remain active for a seven day period. If necessary, the full commission is expected to be extended the ban at their next regular meeting on June 7th.

“The current St. Johns County drought index is 622 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, on a scale of 0-800,” public information officer Jeremy Robshaw reported to the Historic City News desk. “Significant rainfall is not expected for at least another 7 days, and temperatures will continue to increase. Fire danger is considered extreme.”

Additionally, the availability of resources needed to fight brush fires is compromised due to the significant number of active wildfires throughout the region and state.

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, 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.