County imposes ban on outdoor burning
By Pat Hatfield
posted May 13, 2008 - 4:42:08pm
While the drought index for Volusia County remains at 485 out of a scale of 800, Division of Forestry spokesman Timber Weller said the number has climbed above 600 for some areas of the county, including Northwest Volusia.
A score of 800 indicates desert-dry conditions, ripe for fire.
An outdoor burn ban will go into effect Wednesday, May 14. The ban will cover unincorporated areas of the county, plus the cities of DeBary, Oak Hill and Lake Helen, and the Town of Pierson. The cities of Deltona and DeLand also issued burn bans inside their city limits, which take effect May 14.
Read the county's latest advisory.
Banned is the burning of yard trash or household paper products, along with bonfires, campfires, warming fires and cooking fires. Outdoor cooking with contained gas or on a charcoal grill (not a fire pit) is the only exception.
“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," Volusia County Fire Services Director JamesTauber said. “We need residents to be aware of how dangerous the situation can become when we have these dry conditions.”
Florida Division of Forestry officials said Tuesday afternoon the 800-acre fire at the LPGA subdivision just west of Daytona Beach is 55-percent contained. They expected to have it fully contained by day's end.
LPGA Boulevard, closed to traffic yesterday, has been reopened, and the Daytona Beach Emergency Operations Center has closed.
Officials said residents should be aware conditions are ripe for hot spots to flare back up, and should use caution in the area.
Dry conditions are expected to continue, bringing with them increased chances of fire. Fire officials urge everyone to be care with all outdoor activities and equipment. All-terrain vehicles, lawn mowers, welding equipment and cigarettes all can spark a wildfire.
Carelessness or arson cause two out of three such fires, state Fire Division spokesman Weller said.
“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,” he added.
Violations of the burn ban are punishable by a fine up to $500 and/or a stint of up to 60 days in the county jail.
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