- April 26, 2024
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With thousands of acres of forest on fire in neighboring counties and worsening conditions by the day, Flagler County officials enacted an emergency ban on all outdoor burning in Flagler County on Tuesday.
The emergency ban, which applies to all residents in Flagler County including those who reside in the cities, outlaws open flame being used outdoors with the exception of contained barbecue grills.
Penalties include a warning for the first offense and fines of up to $500 or 60 days in the jail for subsequent violations.
The law specifically bans the use, sale or discharge of fireworks including sparklers; open burning, use of open fire pits and containers; parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas and throwing matches or cigarettes from vehicles.
Flagler County Commission Chairman Alan Peterson signed the ban authorizing the action. The ban will be up for ratification by the entire County Commission at its regular meeting on Monday, March 7.
With a strong northeast wind, fire officials are advising residents that smoke from the fire in St. Johns County, just north of the Flagler County line, will be moving into the area late Tuesday, according to a press release.
Officials are advising residents not to call if they see smoke but contact 911 immediately if flames are spotted.
County fire officials are calling for area residents to be very careful during this period of dry weather. County Fire Services will be responding vigorously to any wildfire reports. County crews, the Flagler County Helicopter, FireFlight, and the Division of Forestry respond to all reports of wildfires.
