The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners has approved extending a burn ban in Okaloosa County for another seven days due to persistent dry weather conditions. The extension will be effective through November 14 and can be extended in 7-day increments if needed.
After continued coordination with the Florida Forest Service and Okaloosa Public Safety, Commissioners agreed that the danger posed by the existing and forecast weather conditions including low humidity and a lack of precipitation, justify an appropriate response in the best interest and safety of Okaloosa County residents.
This ban prohibits outdoor burning in Okaloosa County, including:
• All outdoor burning of any combustible material
• Bonfires
• Campfires
• Warming fires
• Outdoor fireplaces
• Chimney
• Cooking fire, unless it is exclusively within a contained, attended, and monitored gas or charcoal grill
Residents are encouraged to take this ban seriously. Anyone found guilty of violating the burn ban can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. Subsequent enforcement of the ban may include the issuing of fines. Upon notification of suspected burning, firefighters will respond to the scene and take immediate measures to contain and/or extinguish the fire.
Exceptions to the burn ban may be granted by the Florida Forest Service after a request for such exception is submitted by the individual concerned and an onsite inspection is made and is determined by the Florida Forest Service representative that such burning can be safely accomplished.
For tips on how to be wildfire-ready and for more information about the Florida Forest Service go to https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Fire-Prevention/Be-Wildfire-Ready.
