[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]When the Walton County Board of Commissioners issued a mandatory burn ban last week, that ban included “all” consumer fireworks, as many people found out this past holiday weekend.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]With an estimated street value of over $7,000 dollars, many tourists, visitors and residents had their fireworks seized in an effort by local emergency response agencies to uphold the mandatory burn ban. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Despite the random rain showers, most of Walton County remains well above the 650 Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). Any number above 500 is considered to be in the wildfire danger zone. “With existing drought like conditions, every open fire is considered a legitimate threat to our area,” said Rick Talbert, Fire Chief South Walton Fire District. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The majority of the seized fireworks are considered “illegal” by Florida State Statute 791. Fireworks that are considered “not illegal” were seized due to the mandatory burn ban. “Even though sparklers don’t explode or launch into the air, they can still produce temperatures in excess of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, that coupled with extremely dry conditions is a recipe for disaster,” said Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal South Walton Fire District. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Citizens and visitors are encouraged to monitor news outlets and information released from authorities to ensure they remain safe by complying with local, state and federal rules and regulations. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]With an estimated street value of over $7,000 dollars, many tourists, visitors and residents had their fireworks seized in an effort by local emergency response agencies to uphold the mandatory burn ban. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Despite the random rain showers, most of Walton County remains well above the 650 Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). Any number above 500 is considered to be in the wildfire danger zone. “With existing drought like conditions, every open fire is considered a legitimate threat to our area,” said Rick Talbert, Fire Chief South Walton Fire District. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The majority of the seized fireworks are considered “illegal” by Florida State Statute 791. Fireworks that are considered “not illegal” were seized due to the mandatory burn ban. “Even though sparklers don’t explode or launch into the air, they can still produce temperatures in excess of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, that coupled with extremely dry conditions is a recipe for disaster,” said Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal South Walton Fire District. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Citizens and visitors are encouraged to monitor news outlets and information released from authorities to ensure they remain safe by complying with local, state and federal rules and regulations. [/FONT]