Walton County burn ban- Includes Fireworks

[NotDeadYet]

It will take more than one deluge to break this drought. Yesterday's rain missed my neighborhood completely, I am in Seagrove. The woods and dunes around here are still crispy dry.

 

[scooterbug44]

Yesterday's rain didn't put a dent in my yard's dryness - and that was the first actual rain in weeks. It keeps missing me.

 

[lenzoe]

He also urged residents not to flick cigarettes out of their vehicles while driving.

“That can be a major source of ignition,” Villani said. “If you’re going to smoke, use your ashtray in the vehicle.”

He said last week’s brush fire near the intersection of FIM Boulevard and Dove Field Road was started by a “flicked cigarette.”

Well, this should solve that problem. Next time I see somebody flicking, I'm going to try to urge them.

 

[Kurt]

[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]With extreme drought conditions and a lack of appreciable rain in the area, The Walton County Board of Commissioners issued a mandatory burn ban today. Backed by The Walton Fire Council (comprised of members from The South Walton Fire District, Walton County Emergency Management, Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Division of Forestry) the burn ban was issued in attempt to protect Walton County and it residents and visitors from careless open burning. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The mandatory burn ban means that Walton County residents as well as visitors are being instructed to NOT burn any type of yard debris until drought-like conditions subside and the ban is lifted. The mandatory ban would also include any other type of ‘open fires’ like campfires and bonfires as well as unauthorized fireworks displays. All beach bonfire permits have been suspended until further notice. [/FONT][/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Cooking fires contained within grills and other such devices as well as authorized ‘professional’ fireworks displays are not included in this mandatory burn ban. [/FONT][/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The average drought index using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, or KBDI, for Walton County is 680. However, there are many parts of Walton County, in particular the South Waltonarea that are in the 750 range of the KBDI. Any number above 500 is considered in the wildfire danger zone. Even the scattered showers that have recently occurred will not provide the necessary moisture to reduce the current wildfire threats, so the mandatory burn ban will remain in effect until Walton County receives significant rainfall over an extended period of time. Furthermore, lighting associated with thunderstorms can spark wildfires that can smolder for several days until the vegetative ‘fuel’ that it’s burning in dries out and can then spread rapidly.[/FONT][/FONT]


[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The South Walton Fire District is urging citizens to follow these safety tips: [/FONT]

• [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Voluntarily delay any outside burning until Walton County receives significant rainfall over an extended period of time. [/FONT]
• [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Take yard debris to the Walton County landfill or recycling centers, a safer alternative to backyard burning. Call Walton County Solid Waste at 892-8180 for more information. [/FONT]
• [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Immediately report any unattended fires to local authorities.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Use vehicle ashtrays instead of throwing cigarette butts out the window. [/FONT]
• [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Use caution when mowing or working with other equipment that could spark. [/FONT]
• [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Illegal fireworks remain a constant threat. Avoid them by attending a professional fireworks display.[/FONT]

 

[L&PC@PW]

Please! No fireworks in Pt Wash

The risks is too great for fire, please no fireworks in Point Washington. Also the loud booms/pops disturbs the peaceful community that we all love.

 

[momof2kids]

Walton County Ordinance 2011-61 and Executive Order 128 signed by Gov Rick Scott prohibits the use of personal fireworks due to the severe drought. Fine is $500 or 60 days in jail.