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May 13, 2008
Shelley Szafraniec, APR
Community Information Specialist

DRY CONDITIONS PERSIST; VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE SERVICES ISSUES BURN BAN

Due to the ongoing dry conditions throughout the county, Volusia County Fire Services has issued an outdoor burn ban for the county’s unincorporated area effective Wednesday, May 14. The ban also applies to the cities of Daytona Beach, DeBary, DeLand, Deltona, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill, Oak Hill, Lake Helen, and the Town of Pierson.

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning, unless authorized by the Florida Division of Forestry, is prohibited. This includes the burning of yard trash, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires and cooking fires. Outdoor cooking done with a contained gas or charcoal grill (excluding a fire pit) is the only exception.

According to James Tauber, Volusia County Fire Services director, the ban was necessary due to continued, prolonged periods with no significant rain, the drying out of vegetation, high temperatures and daily above-normal wind conditions.

“The LPGA fire that began May 11 in Daytona Beach is a good example of how dry it is and how fast we can have a serious brushfire on our hands," said Tauber. “We need residents to be aware of how dangerous the situation can become when we have these dry conditions.”

Volusia County’s Keech-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is 485 as of May 13. However, in some areas of the county, particularly the northwest, the index is above 600. The KBDI is on a scale of 1 to 800 (saturation to desert dry).

Violations of the ban are punishable by a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment in county jail for up to 60 days. Personnel from Volusia County Fire Services will issue violation notices to any person violating the burn ban and also will extinguish any fire not authorized by the Florida Division of Forestry.

Fire officials also are urging the public to be cautious with outdoor activities. Activities such as the use of ATVs, welding equipment, mowers, and the improper disposal of cigarette butts can spark a wildfire.

Carelessness and arson cause two out of every three wildfires in Florida, according to Timber Weller, public information officer with the Florida Division of Forestry.

“Anyone who causes a wildfire, whether intentionally or through carelessness, may be held responsible for the costs of extinguishing it and for whatever damages the fire may cause,” said Weller.

SAFETY TIPS FOR DEALING WITH WILDFIRES

Practice wildfire safety

• Do not discard cigarettes from moving vehicles; use ashtrays.
• When pulling off the side of the road, stay off dry grass areas.
• Do not operate all-terrain vehicles on dry vegetation areas.
• Check lawnmowers and farm equipment for properly working spark arresters.
• Properly extinguish fires when cooking outdoors and never leave fires unattended.
• People start most wildfires. Promote and practice fire safety with all members of your family.
• Clearly mark all driveway entrances with name and address.
• Plan several escape routes away from your home both by car and on foot.

Protect your home

• Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Allow a 30-foot buffer of non-combustible material around your home.
• Use non-combustible materials on the roof and regularly clean the roof and gutters.
• Teach family members how to use a fire extinguisher. Install and regularly test smoke detectors.
• Inspect chimneys twice a year and clean them once a year.
• Rake leaves and dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Have a garden hose long enough to reach any area of your home and property.

When wildfire threatens

• Listen to the media or your NOAA Weather Alert radio for Civil Emergency Messages about where the danger is.
• Prepare your family, pets, and supplies in case you have to evacuate.
• If told to evacuate, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.
• If evacuating, tell someone you are leaving and where you are going. Drive a route away from fire hazards and listen to public safety officials.

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