As drought conditions persist, many burn ban orders are in effect across the Big Bend and South Georgia.
Big Bend:
Leon County will allow its burn ban to expire May 15th at 5:00 p.m. They say significant rainfall across the area that improved local conditions and reduced wildfire risk.
Wakulla County Commissioners have extended the county-wide burn ban through May 13th.
Jefferson County Commissioners have extended the burn ban for the next 7 days, but say the ban will continue to extend in seven-day increments until sufficient rain falls.
Gadsden County Commissioners say the countywide burn ban remains in effect and continues to be strictly enforced. They say violations of the burn ban may result in fines and/or criminal charges in accordance with Florida Statute 590.
Madison County Fire and Rescue says a countywide burn ban is now in place until further notice. They say violation of the ban may result in fines and/or arrest.
Taylor County Fire Rescue says a burn ban order is now in place until conditions have been reviewed and deemed safe.
Lafayette County Commissioners continue to extend its burn ban in increments of 7 days until conditions improve.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management says a county-wide burn ban is in effect. It was issued April 20th and will last for at least two weeks.
***Suwannee Fire Rescue says the countywide burn ban has been temporarily suspended and that residents may resume outdoor burning. They say burning must comply with the legal and safety requirements established by the Florida Forest Service.
South Georgia:
Governor Kemp declared a state of emergency on April 22nd, for 91 counties in South Georgia in response to the ongoing wildfires. The governor also directed the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and other relevant state agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to support active response efforts in the state's southern region.
On May 5, the GFC announced that Governor Kemp issued an executive order, easing outdoor burning restrictions in part of South Georgia. The drawback allows some counties to resume limited outdoor burning, but other counties remain under restrictions due to ongoing wildfires.
In our area, Lowndes, Berrien, Lanier, Clinch, and Echols Counties remain under outdoor burn bans.
To read the full order, click here.
Brooks County is issuing a temporary burn ban until conditions improve.
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