Flagler County Installs More Burn Ban Signs To Raise Awareness

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Flagler County, FL - Flagler County officials will be installing more burn ban signs to ensure that all are aware of the countywide burn ban in Flagler County, which will remain in effect until further notice.

"It's a blessing that currently there are no wildfires burning in Flagler County," said Fire Rescue Chief Don Petito. "The weather conditions - low humidity and a lack of rain - make the conditions ripe for it. We are asking our residents and visitors to be vigilant about anything flammable."

12 burn ban signs have been installed in various locations with plans to install 3 more by the week's end.

Florida Forest Service conducted a 350-acre back burn in Putnam County to reduce the fuel load to keep a 25-acre wildfire from burning out of control.

"Drift smoke is likely today from this fire and the West Mims fire (in Georgia)," said Petito.

Flagler County's FireFlight helicopter is currently working fire calls only, and not transporting patients. Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a "Red Flag Warning" from noon to 8 PM because of the low level of relative humidity and fuel moisture and the predicted high temperatures.

The burn ban prohibits the following:

  • The sale, use and discharge of fireworks
  • Open burning, including the use of fire pits and containers
  • Charcoal-burning barbecue grills - including at Flagler County Parks and Recreation facilities
  • Throwing matches or cigarettes (or other burning materials) from car windows
  • Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas

"We are really asking everyone to take this seriously," said County Administrator Craig Coffey. "Flicking a cigarette out of a car window really can start a fire, so please don't do it. It's a safety concern."

The ban will remain in effect until further notice. Find safety tips and information on how to protect your home from fire here.

Photo courtesy of Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH and Shutterstock.com.

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