Burn bans issued across Big Bend, parts of South Georgia as drought continues
A burn ban was issued by Georgia State Forester and Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Director Johnny Sabo Wednesday morning for the entire southern region of the state
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - As extreme drought conditions continue across the Big Bend and South Georgia, several counties are declaring burn bans.
This list will continue to be updated as we learn more.
Big Bend
Leon County
Leon County burn ban expired on Friday, May 15, following recent rains.
County Commission Chairman Christian Caban said during a press conference on April 10 that the drought has gotten worse.
“Leon County, particularly and surrounding counties is at the worst part of the drought in Florida,” he said.
During the ban, county officials said that all open burning in the county not authorized by the Florida Forest Service is prohibited.
That includes the burning of yard debris, land-clearing fires, brush piles and site-preparation burns, bonfires, campfires, fire pits and similar ceremonial or recreational fires on both private and public property, the burning of solid waste, construction debris or household trash, along with the use of burn barrels or similar devices for outdoor burning, per the county.
Violations of the burn ban may be subject to fines and other penalties, according to county officials.
To learn more about the extension, click here.
Wakulla County
A burn ban was initially declared in Wakulla County on April 15. However, on Wednesday, May 6, it was extended through May 13, according to the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners.
During a brief special meeting, commissioners approved a local state of emergency due to drought and put a county-wide burn ban in place.
That means outdoor burning, including campfires, is not allowed. However, cooking food inside an enclosed grill is allowed.
Suwannee County
The Suwannee County Fire Rescue announced the countywide burn ban has been temporarily suspended. Citizens are reminded that all outdoor burning must still comply with the legal and safety requirements established by the Florida Forest Service. If weather conditions change or hazardous conditions develop, additional restrictions may be implemented.
Franklin County
Franklin County declared a countywide burn ban on April 8.
The ban takes effect amid continued “lack of rainfall, high winds, and extreme drought,” according to the county.
The following is banned, according to the county’s order:
- Open burning, except (a) outdoor grills used in preparing food; and (b) commercial land clearing where on-site inspection and approval has been granted by the Florida Forest Service, on a case-by-case basis, and it is determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on-site.
- The sale, use and/or discharge of items listed in Florida Statute 791.01(4)(fireworks) using explosive or combustible compounds.
- The use or discharge of flares.
- The use of outdoor burning devices, excluding attended and monitored barbecue or cooking equipment
- Any otherwise lawful outdoor burning, such as lawn, debris, or trash burning.
- The parking of vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas. The disposal of matches or cigarettes, etc., except in proper disposal containers.
- The burning of yard debris, land-clearing fires, brush piles and similar site-preparation burns, campfires, bonfires, fire pits and other recreational or ceremonial fires, burning of household trash, construction debris or other solid waste and the use of burn barrels or similar devices for outdoor burning.
The burn ban will remain in place for the foreseeable future until the county amends or rescinds the ban.
South Georgia
On May 12, the Georgia Forestry Commission announced that the burn ban had been lifted for all counties.
However, Lowndes and Echols county emergency management officials said it remains under the burn ban.
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