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Forest Service Warns Against All Outdoor Burning
November 19, 2016
Over two months have passed since most of the area has seen significant rainfall and officials are warning of an increased fire danger level.
With a dry cold front predicted to pass through the area this weekend and humidity levels slated to drop into the 20 percent range, the Florida Forest Service is urging residents to hold off on burning any yard debris and be cautious with any other outdoor burning.
With these conditions in mind, the Blackwater Forestry Center has increased its Fire Readiness Level to a 3 through November 27 and will not issue burn authorizations through this weekend. Fire Readiness Levels are set by the district based on current predicted weather as well as potential fire behavior and severity.
At FRL3, all wildfires require two FFS firefighting crews (tractor/plow units) and an afternoon aerial patrol. Fire Readiness Levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest.
It has been 72 days since the last significant rainfall (more than .25 inches) in much of the area and the current Keetch-Byram Drought Index shows Blackwater’s mean rating at 626 which is in the Severe Drought category. Normal for this time of year is 241-420.
While there are no burn bans in place for Escambia, Santa Rosa or Okaloosa counties, the FFS is urging residents to not burn any yard debris until we receive a significant amount of rain or conditions improve. Burn bans typically are issued by individual counties.
A complete burn ban is in effect for the entire state of Alabama.
Comments
One Response to “Forest Service Warns Against All Outdoor Burning”
73 days without any measurable rainfall in our area.
Woodlands and fields are as dry as tender.
Officials have done a study and have determined this drought is a result of lack of rainfall. How much did it cost us for that enlightenment?
Firefighters, US Forestry Services, BLESS You and Keep You Safe.
You preserve not only human lives but also animal lives, habitat and environmental and economical resources.