Volusia County is the latest county to implement a burn ban for its residents as dry conditions continue to threaten Central Florida. The ban, which went into effect for all of Volusia County at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, prohibits the lighting and burning of all open fires until further notice. The ban in Volusia County, as well as throughout Central Florida, is due to the current drought index and other dry conditions. Under the ban’s provisions, all open burning not permitted by the Florida Forest Service, including bonfires, is prohibited. , bonfires and burning garden debris. The use of above-ground charcoal, gas and electric grills is still permitted, the county said. This includes barrel-style barbecue smokers, as they technically do not constitute open-air combustion. Still, the county says residents should be careful when cooking outdoors. Make sure all coals are completely extinguished after cooking and avoid cooking near heavily wooded areas. Volusia County officials say they have already responded to multiple wildfires this year and are urging residents to take protective measures for their homes and families. In addition to outdoor cooking precautions, officials say to remove trash and dead vegetation from yards and remove debris from roofs and gutters. If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately. Volusia County is not the only place under a burn ban. Joining these Central Florida counties: Brevard County Orange County Osceola County Polk County Seminole County Violations of burn bans can result in penalties, officials say.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. —
Volusia County is the latest county to implement a burn ban for its residents as dry conditions continue to threaten Central Florida.
The ban, which went into effect for all of Volusia County at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, prohibits the lighting and burning of all open fires until further notice.
The ban in Volusia County, as well as throughout Central Florida, is being driven by the current drought index and other dry conditions.
Under the ban’s provisions, all open burning not permitted by the Florida Forest Service is prohibited, including bonfires, bonfires and burning of yard debris.
The use of above-ground charcoal, gas and electric grills is still permitted, the county said. This includes barrel-style barbecue smokers, as they technically do not constitute open-air combustion.
Still, the county says residents should be careful when cooking outdoors. Make sure all charcoal is completely extinguished after cooking and avoid cooking near heavily wooded areas.
Volusia County officials say they have already responded to multiple wildfires this year and are urging residents to take protective measures for their homes and families. In addition to outdoor cooking precautions, officials say to remove trash and dead vegetation from yards and remove debris from roofs and gutters.
If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.
Volusia County isn’t the only place under a burn ban. Joining these Central Florida counties:
Violations of burn bans can lead to penalties, officials say.
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