County offers alternative to outdoor burning

Lt Jeremy Robshaw, Public Information Officer for St Johns County Fire Rescue, is asking Historic City News readers in the St Augustine area to delay any outdoor burning until drought conditions improve.

Although St Johns County is not currently under a burn ban, neighboring Flagler County is — and present weather conditions have created a potentially dangerous situation.

“Due to a lack of significant rainfall in our area, St Johns County is currently experiencing more severe fire conditions,” Robshaw told reporters. “Recent weather forecasts project this pattern to continue throughout the weekend.”

St Johns County Solid Waste Department offers free curbside yard debris pickup at most locations throughout the county. Residents are strongly encouraged to utilize this service as an alternative to outdoor burning.

Robshaw said, “Flying embers from residential control burns, can lead to much larger brush fires which could affect the lives, safety, and homes of many in our community.”

Information on Solid Waste pickup schedules available at: http://www.sjcfl.us/SolidWaste

Florida Forest Service updates conditions at: http://www.floridaforestservice.com/