4:45 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY - The start of the summer weather pattern has brought some precipitation to Alachua County over the past several weeks and countywide drought conditions have improved. Consequently, the Alachua County Emergency Services Director recommended on Monday, June 25, 2007, that the countywide mandatory burn ban be lifted.
With the lifting of the ban, residents may once again burn yard debris and use legal fireworks. However, residents are urged to use extreme caution. Even with the improvement of our local conditions, a wildfire may still be ignited.
Additionally, before you decide to burn your yard debris, be sure to review the Florida Division of Forestry debris burning guidelines. These regulations may be viewed at http://www.fl-dof.com/wildfire/laws_trash_burning.html . Citizens can also call their local DOF office at (352) 955-2010. Municipal residents intending to burn debris should contact their municipal government to ensure that the burning of yard debris is legal within municipal limits.
Throughout the summer, the public is encouraged to keep a constant watch for any stray sparks or embers while cooking outdoors and to remember that the use of motorized equipment such as ATVs, dirt bikes and lawnmowers poses risks for accidental wildfire ignitions. Bearing these things in mind, Alachua County Fire Rescue and the citizens of Alachua County can work together to keep our county safe.
For more information regarding the lifting of the burn ban, please contact Megan Crandall, Alachua County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer, at (352) 494-8600.
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