After careful consideration of current fire conditions, both locally and across the state, the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution enacting a burn ban within St. Johns County effective May 9. The burn ban will remain active through May 16, at which time county officials will evaluate the weather and fire conditions and determine to extend or lift the ban on outdoor burning.
The burn ban restricts all residential outdoor burning of leaves and yard debris, fireworks of any kind, campfires, flares and other outdoor burning devices. Cooking fires within a barbecue or hibachi grill, or other similar devices specifically intended for cooking, are permitted.
While no major wildfires are occurring within St. Johns County at this time, officials encourage all residents to prepare a home safety plan for all members of their household, including two evacuation routes, a ready supply of food, water and medical needs, and transportation. Residents should also create a defensible space surrounding their homes free of debris, and clean gutters and roofs of leaves or branches that could easily ignite during a fire.
For more information on how to protect your home from a wildfire, please visit the Florida Forest Service Website at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Wildland-Fire. For more information on St. Johns County’s burn ban, please call 904.209.1750.
