Big Bend:
The Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners has issued a temporary burn ban for the next seven days due to the drought index and the continuing dry and windy conditions. The ban will run from today, through Tuesday, February 17th.
They say the ban "includes, but is not limited to: campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard and household trash, burning of construction debris, burning of organic debris, and igniting of fireworks. Attended and monitored barbeque/cooking equipment is permitted, but should be monitored closely."
Miccosukee Volunteer Fire Rescue urged caution, saying on Facebook, "Probably not the greatest time to burn or at least soak a perimeter and clear leaves and pine needles from the edges. The entire county has had a ton of brush fires so please be careful."
Madison County Fire Rescue is asking neighbors to "avoid outdoor burning if you can and postpone any non-essential burns until conditions improve. Even a controlled burn can quickly escape and threaten homes, woods, and the firefighters working to protect them."
South Georgia:
EMA Lowndes has issued a temporary burn ban order due to prolonged dry weather and worsening drought conditions.
They said to "reduce wildfire risks and protect public safety, property, and natural resources, all open burning of yard debris, including leaves, limbs, grass, and other vegetative matter, is prohibited within the unincorporated area of Lowndes County until drought conditions improve."
Grady County Fire and Rescue says the Georgia Forestry Commission will not issue burn permits in Grady County until further notice.
The group says, "Over the last few days GCFR and GFC personnel have been working around the clock fighting wildfires. Fire danger has become extremely high with drought conditions, low humidity, and wind."
The Cairo Fire Department also says they will not issue permits and recommends against burning in fire pits.
Echols County EMA says they are working two active fires in the county. They say outdoor burning is dangerous, and fires can spread rapidly.
Lanier County EMA has issued a temporary outdoor burning restriction. This includes but is not limited to disposal of yard debris, vegetation, limbs, brush, grass, or similar materials, excluding lawful recreational or cooking fires.
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