Forestry Service: No Weekend Burning

April 14, 2012

Officials with Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center are preparing for what could be a busy weekend, and they are advising residents to a avoid outdoor burning.

Several weather factors contribute to fire potential – wind, humidity and fuel moisture being the key elements. Portions of our area will see high winds (15-20 mph) and moderate humidity (less than 50%) at some point over the next three days. Combine those factors with a lack of rainfall over the past week and there is a potential for increased fire activity both in terms of number of fire and intensity of fires that we might see, according to a Forestry Service news release.

In response, the Forest Service is ensuring proper staffing of strategic locations throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, restricting burn authorizations and will coordinate with key cooperating agencies throughout the weekend.

Residents are urged not to burn yard waste during periods of high winds and should follow local burn laws and restrictions

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News