Forest Service Issues Cautionary Warnings

Officials with the Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center are urging residents of Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa 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.

Below are some of the laws and tips regarding yard debris and home safety for when conditions improve:

• Check with your city or county before you burn, some areas have stricter rules regarding burning and some municipalities do not allow any burning within city limits.
• 25 feet from any forested area (grasslands, brush or wildlands).
• 25 feet from your home or other combustible structure.
• 50 feet from any paved or public roadway.
• 150 feet from any occupied dwelling other than your own home.
• Legal burning hours are between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset.
• It is illegal to burn household garbage (including paper products), treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticide and aerosol containers.
• Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter will require authorization from the Florida Forest Service.
• Clear down to bare, mineral soil around your pile to prevent the fire from spreading.
• Don’t burn on windy days.
• Never leave a fire unattended – even for a moment.
• Grass fires can spread quickly. Be prepared. Keep a water hose handy to put out the fire.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it – no smoke and no heat.
• If your fire escapes, call for help quickly. Several minutes may pass before a fire department or the Forest Service can arrive on scene.
• If your fire escapes, you might be held liable for the cost of suppression and damages to the property of others.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than one million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.