Mandatory burn ban in effect

Not long after the Marion County Wildland Task Force issued a press release on Deb. 6 announcing a voluntary burn ban, a wildfire broke out Feb. 7 near Weirsdale and Ocklawaha. On Feb. 10, the ban became mandatory. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners press release noted that the countywide mandatory burn ban would become effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday. “The action follows recent freezing temperatures, dry conditions, and sustained winds that have significantly increased the risk of wildfire throughout Marion County. County officials determined the burn ban is necessary to protect the health, safety, and property of residents,” the release noted. Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, with the following exceptions: • Outdoor cookers and grills may be used provided they are attended at all times by a responsible adult while in operation. • Commercial land clearing operations may proceed only after inspection, review, and approval by the Florida Forest Service or Marion County Fire Rescue on a case-by-case basis. Adequate fire suppression personnel and equipment must be present on site, and final authorization must be granted by the Florida Forest Service. • Public fireworks displays are permitted when conducted in accordance with approved special use and fireworks permits and when adequate fire suppression personnel and equipment are on site. Marion County Fire Rescue urges residents to take the following precautions during this period of heightened fire risk: • Postpone outdoor burning activities until the burn ban is lifted. • Dispose of yard debris at one of Marion County’s 18 recycling centers as a safe alternative to backyard burning. For locations and information, call (352) 671-8465. • Report arson or suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement. • Do not discard cigarette butts from vehicles. • Use caution when operating lawn mowers or other equipment that could produce sparks. • Call 911 immediately if you see a fire or a large column of smoke. Weather conditions and wildfire risk will continue to be monitored until the burn ban can be lifted, the release stated. Homeowners can reduce the risk of damage from wildfires by clearing the area around their homes of underbrush or dry plants/vegetation as these items create fuel for wildfires. It is also important to ensure that roofs and gutters are clear of trees and debris, an earlier release noted.

Not long after the Marion County Wildland Task Force issued a press release on Deb. 6 announcing a voluntary burn ban, a wildfire broke out Feb. 7 near Weirsdale and Ocklawaha. On Feb. 10, the ban became mandatory.

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners press release noted that the countywide mandatory burn ban would become effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

“The action follows recent freezing temperatures, dry conditions, and sustained winds that have significantly increased the risk of wildfire throughout Marion County. County officials determined the burn ban is necessary to protect the health, safety, and property of residents,” the release noted.

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, with the following exceptions:

• Outdoor cookers and grills may be used provided they are attended at all times by a responsible adult while in operation.
• Commercial land clearing operations may proceed only after inspection, review, and approval by the Florida Forest Service or Marion County Fire Rescue on a case-by-case basis. Adequate fire suppression personnel and equipment must be present on site, and final authorization must be granted by the Florida Forest Service.
• Public fireworks displays are permitted when conducted in accordance with approved special use and fireworks permits and when adequate fire suppression personnel and equipment are on site.

Marion County Fire Rescue urges residents to take the following precautions during this period of heightened fire risk:

• Postpone outdoor burning activities until the burn ban is lifted.
• Dispose of yard debris at one of Marion County’s 18 recycling centers as a safe alternative to backyard burning. For locations and information, call (352) 671-8465.
• Report arson or suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.
• Do not discard cigarette butts from vehicles.
• Use caution when operating lawn mowers or other equipment that could produce sparks.
• Call 911 immediately if you see a fire or a large column of smoke.

Weather conditions and wildfire risk will continue to be monitored until the burn ban can be lifted, the release stated.

Homeowners can reduce the risk of damage from wildfires by clearing the area around their homes of underbrush or dry plants/vegetation as these items create fuel for wildfires. It is also important to ensure that roofs and gutters are clear of trees and debris, an earlier release noted.