Flagler County enacted a burn ban effective 5 p.m. today (June 5) and declared a state of local emergency to do so. The ban remains in effect for seven days, and applies countywide, including in Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach.
“The conditions are becoming favorable for rapid fire growth so this action will help,” said Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “In addition to the ban on burning, remember that a good offense is the best defense. Clear the area around your house of anything that will go up in flames easily – including stacks of firewood, portable propane tanks, and dead, dry vegetation.”
The county has been consulting with the cities ahead of the declaration, Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill said. “We’ve seen a very moderate uptick in our brushfire responses and we’re hoping to not wait for the uptick to take action, consistent with some of our history,” Berryhill said. “When we reach this level of dryness, we need to start being prepared for an increased readiness level.”
There are small chances of thundershowers in the next two days, but otherwise a dry trend is expected to continue, with sunny, hot days over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.
The burn ban prohibits the following:
- Discharge/use of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other items containing any “explosive compound”
- Open burning, including the use of fire pits and containers
- Outdoor cookers and grills unless attended by an adult at all times
- Throwing matches, cigarettes, or other burning materials from vehicles
- Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
Flagler County Code and state law authorize Flagler County to declare a state of local emergency for durations of seven days and to extend them in seven-day intervals, during which time period the county may waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required of political subdivisions by law. The County Commission ratifies the the declaration.
The current Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) mean is 518 for Flagler County. The KBDI is a range from 0 (zero) to 800 in which 0 is the wettest condition and 800 is the dryest, or drought. Wildfires typically begin to pup up once the 500 threshold is crossed, and the longer the dry period lasts, the more prone vegetation gets to to fire, with lightning strikes posing a danger along with negligence by residents.
The rule of thumb for taking personal protective measures, accepted by a variety of fire prevention agencies, including the National Fire Protection Association, is that all flammable items within 30 feet of a structure should be removed. Homeowners should clear roofs, eaves, gutters, wood decks and patios of leaves, needles, and other debris.
“Additionally, do not store things under decks or porches, and consider using rocks or gravel in those areas instead grass or mulch,” Tucker said. “Wood-driven fires, like brushfires, create embers that can be carried quite far, and tend to find their way to the same nooks and crannies where leaves accumulate.”
Barbecue coals should be fully extinguished before adding them to garbage receptacles.
“Please take this burn ban seriously,” Tucker said. “It’s been a while since we’ve had one in Flagler County, so please heed our warnings.”
Lee says
Thank you Flagler County Officials!!
It’s scary especially the people with Fireworks happy in the neighborhood.
JimboXYZ says
Well, Thursday & Friday are supposed to have some rain, Was supposed to get a shower storm Wednesday, that never transpired. Early next week it’s supposed to be wet. Hopefully relief comes to bail out the paving of Palm Coast & Flagler County. That’s what happens when the growth wipes out the trees, shade gone, anything underneath that tree canopy just dries out & withers too. Hope they are gentle rains & not violent thunderstorms.
Lance Carroll says
We could make good use of a good rain.
dave says
NOW if people will actually follow it. But this ban doesn’t stop stupid from throwing cigs out their car window.
Celia Pugliese says
This supposed also to ban any developers clearing parcel burning as well, correct? So maybe we get a reprieve in lungs contamination and ashes in our pools, car and windows! Meanwhile we are still researching my requested city wide parcel clearing burning on city limits that the residents asked for, while being told The FL State Forestry Dept has to approve it as well.
JimboXYZ says
Most of the burning I’ve seen are from developers that have cleared for new residential construction. Alfin & Company have approved that, we’ll see if Palm Coast actually holds developers to the “fire” on this burn ban ?
Just a thought says
Oddly enough, since the first devastating wildfire of 1985 we have been on a 13 year trend of bad wildfires. 1985, 1998, 2011 and now 2024. Fortunately, we haven’t lost a house due to wildfire since 1998. In no small part we can contribute to the acquisition of our own helicopter.
Doug says
At the rate the county is permitting development, there will be no forests to burn.
Kim Pandich Gridley says
Please folks, take this seriously. I lived here in ‘98 and experienced the fear of losing our home, had friends who did lose theirs and saw the devastation the fires caused. I never want to live through that again.
Laurel says
I’m wondering if there are any current fires. The last two mornings, I’ve notice the smell of burning debris.
If you live in the Hammock, consider removing all dead palmetto fronds. They hold a surprising amount of flammable energy! Meanwhile, when the ban is over, please do not burn wet leaves. Wet plant debris creates a whole lot of smoke that takes your breath away. There are those who have respiratory issues who have great difficulty with the smoke.
Let’s just watch out for each other!
NJ says
BEWARE of the Very Tall Underbrush (20-30Ft+) in the Vacant Lots!!! How about an Inspection by the Palm Coast Fire Dept and Palm Coast Code Enforcement of Vacant Lots! Investors purchase house lots and let them grow to become a place for a Wild Fire to start with a STUPID Firecracker user!!! Think a Wild Fire can not happen, as a former Volunteer Fireman I can tell you that Palm Coast will be Very LUCKY if a Wild Fire on one the many over grown vacant does NOT Happen!!! A Wild Fire is a Joke, BE PREPARED!