Forest Service Issues Warning Not To Burn Outdoors

October 21, 2016

Officials with the Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center are urging residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to refrain from any outdoor burning for the next several days.

The area is in the midst of an extended dry spell and a predicted cold front will bring higher winds and lower humidities. There is little no rain in the extended forecast. This combination has prompted an increase in the fire danger level for the district as well as an increase in the response level of Forest Service fire crews.

With these conditions, even well-intended backyard fires can be dangerous.

“The weather will be cooler and people will probably want to get some yard work done,” said David Smith, operations administrator for Blackwater. “Cleaning up is fine but we would recommend that folks not burn their yard debris until we see some relief.”

In addition to the warning to residents, Smith said authorizations for large piles and acreage burns will not be issued at this time.

NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Forest Service Issues Warning Not To Burn Outdoors”

  1. GOAT LADY on October 22nd, 2016 8:08 pm

    IF U MULCH LEAVES WITH MOWER U DON’T HAVE TO RAKE AND BURN. IT HELPS GRASS AND KEEPS OUT WEEDS . PROTECTS SOUTHERN GRASSES FROM FREEZING.

  2. Anne on October 21st, 2016 6:33 am

    Was driving along yesterday afternoon and noticed there was a sort of hazy look down the road. Turned out to be soil being blown from a farmer’s field across the highway. Past weeks with no rain have made everything very dry including our forests and our fields and any spark or fire could be terrible.

    WE NEED RAIN..

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