Escambia County Lifts Burn Ban for North of Nine Mile Road

Effective immediately, Escambia County is lifting the burn ban north of Nine Mile Road. The remainder of the county, south of Nine Mile Road remains under a burn ban until further notice.

Interim Fire Chief Paul Williams stated, "After reviewing the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (200-299), the Florida Forest Service Fire Danger Indices (Low) as well as surveying areas for the current status of storm debris remaining on the right-of-way, the burn ban is being lifted for residents north of Nine Mile Road. These residents are still required to follow the Florida Forest Services Forest Fire Laws and Open Burning Regulations. We are awaiting rain to lift the other areas to suppress the wildfire potential." 

Residents north of Nine Mile Road who intend to open burn should contact Blackwater Forestry Center at 850-957-6140 and refer to their outdoor burning tips. 

A burn ban began Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 a.m. for Escambia County. The county has experienced significant impacts from Hurricane Sally, resulting in increased fuels from storm debris, and adverse medical conditions, such as respiratory problems, when open burns are conducted.

Escambia County Ordinance 2000-21, Art. 11, Sec. 50-1 provides for the prohibition of the use of fireworks or open burning. 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, 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 shall remain in effect until terminated by public notice issued by the Fire Chief of Escambia County Fire Rescue when taking the following into consideration: significant reduction of fuel load 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.