Santa Rosa County approves burn ban
Thurs., May 14 - The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a burn ban at this morning's regular meeting. A burn ban means that Santa Rosa County residents will not be able to have any open fires of any types, including camp fires, bonfires, yard and trash burning, etc. There are two exemptions: cooking on barbeque grills or any other burn authorized by the Florida Forest Service.
Residents are reminded that burning trash is always illegal. The burn ban is applicable within the unincorporated and incorporated territory of Santa Rosa County. The ban will be in effect until lifted at the next board of county commission meeting on May 28 or if conditions improve as determined by the county administrator and public safety director and an announcement will be made by through local news media, the county's email subscribers, social media and the county website.
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management reminds residents to take the following actions to protect their families and homes from fire danger:
- Create at least 30 feet of defensible – clean and green – space around your home.
- Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and backyards.
- Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters.
- Have a plan and an emergency kit packed in the event an evacuation is ordered, especially if your home directly borders woodlands.
- Monitor local media for updates on road closures, smoke conditions and other hazards or register for alerts at www.alertsantarosa.com.
- Use extreme caution when grilling.
- Properly discard of cigarettes.
- Call 9-1-1 if you see fire in your area.