FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler County declared a state of local emergency Friday and enacted a seven-day burn ban effective 5 p.m. as drought conditions and rising fire danger increase the risk of wildfires, county officials said.
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The ban prohibits open burning, including campfires and fire pits; the use, ignition or discharge of fireworks, sparklers and flares; and the throwing of matches, cigarettes or other burning materials from vehicles. Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas is also banned. Outdoor cookers and grills may be used only when continuously attended by an adult.
“Conditions have become favorable for rapid fire growth, so this action will help reduce our community’s risk,” Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker said. He urged residents to clear flammable materials — including stacks of firewood, portable propane tanks and dead vegetation — from around homes.
The county cited severe drought conditions, a daily-increasing Keetch-Byram Drought Index and no significant rainfall in the seven-day forecast as reasons for the ban.
Homeowners were urged to remove flammable items within 30 feet of structures and to clear roofs, eaves, gutters, wood decks and patios of leaves, needles and other debris. Tucker also recommended not storing items under decks or porches and using rock or gravel instead of grass or mulch in vulnerable areas. Barbecue coals should be fully extinguished before being placed in garbage receptacles.
“Please take this burn ban seriously,” Tucker said. “It’s been about a year since we’ve had one in Flagler County, so please heed our warnings.”
For the full list of restrictions, visit flaglercounty.gov/emergency and click on Emergency Notices. Follow Flagler County Government on Facebook at facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.