Despite Rain, Burn Bans Remain In Effect

June 25, 2011

A weekend reminder — despite recent rain, a burn ban remains in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida and the entire state of Alabama.

Escambia County, Florida, issued a burn over a week ago due to the heightened risk of wildfires. The ban issued by Escambia County Fire Chief Daniel Spillman prohibits all open outdoor burning, including trash and debris burning, campfires, bonfires and all other similar fires. Fireworks are also included in the ban.

The Town of Century and the City of Pensacola are included in the burn ban, according to Sonya Daniel, public information officer for Escambia County.

The only exemptions to the ban are state permitted burns, authorized fireworks displays, fireworks sales authorized by state law and outdoor cooking in barbeque grills, smoker and other outdoor stoves at private residences. Depending on the circumstances, violations could be enforceable by civil citations or criminal penalties if warranted, Daniel said.

Santa Rosa County issued a burn ban this week prohibiting open burning, to include but not limited to campfires, bonfires, yard debris, and other similar forms of incineration in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county — including Jay and Milton. State permitted burns, authorized fireworks displays, State of Florida legal consumer firework products such as sparklers, fireworks sales which are authorized by state law, and outdoor cooking in barbecue grills, smokers, or other outdoor stoves located at private residences are exempt.

Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Alabama – there is a statewide burn ban in effect across the entire state of Alabama.

Pictured top: An unauthorized burn last week on Rigby Road in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News