Due to the unseasonable weather including extended periods of time without substantial precipitation, low humidity and windy conditions, Escambia County is issuing a burn ban effective today until further notice.
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and the Escambia County Fire Chief find the present circumstances create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning. Escambia County Public Safety, including the fire rescue division and emergency management division, in conjunction with the Florida Forest Service support the implementation of a county-wide burn ban.
Escambia County Ordinance 2000-21, Art. II, Sec. 50-1 provides for the prohibition of the use of fireworks or open burning when the Fire Chief determines that there is an immediate fire-borne threat to the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of Escambia County.
Therefore, the following activities are prohibited in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county: the carrying out of open burning (to include, but not limited to, campfires, wildfires, bonfires, trash burning and other similar forms of incineration).
The following activities are exempt from this order: state permitted burns, fire department training, authorized fireworks displays and fireworks sales which are authorized by state law, and outdoor cooking in barbecue grills, smokers, or other outdoor stoves located at private residences and businesses.
This prohibition will remain in effect until terminated by public notice issued by the Fire Chief of Escambia County Fire Rescue when taking the following into consideration: precipitation, humidity, the Keetch Byram Drought Index, the Florida Forest Service Fire Danger Indices and the fire-borne threat otherwise has ended.
Please remember to dial 9-1-1 for an emergency or visit www.myescambia.com/ask to complete a non-emergent customer service request.
Video Message from Interim Fire Chief Paul Williams and Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore: https://youtu.be/2TtJZhiuJDM