Florida Forest Service Requirements for Open Burning in Hurricane Michael Impacted Areas

by | Nov 9, 2018 | Farm Safety, Field Crops, Forage & Pasture, Forestry, General Agriculture, Horticulture, Hurricane Recovery, Livestock, Natural Resources, Regulations, Regulations, Weather

Source:  Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

The Florida Forest Service updated requirements for open burning, effective January 7, 2019, in the following counties impacted by Hurricane Michael: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Liberty and Washington.

The Florida Forest Service created two geographical zones, primary and secondary, to identify hurricane-impacted areas with specific open burning requirements. Burning hurricane vegetative debris in the impact area zones requires an on-site inspection and burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service. Zone parameters are as follows:

Primary Zone

  • Certified and non-certified pile burning is allowed.
  • Certified broadcast (acreage) burning is allowed
  • Non-Certified broadcast burning is allowed with approval from Center Manager
  • On-site inspections are required for all burn authorizations.
  • Heavy equipment is required for all burns including certified.

Secondary Zone

  • Certified and non-certified pile burning is allowed.
  • Certified and non-certified broadcast burning is allowed.
  • Fire Supervisor approval is required for all burn authorizations.

“We have thoroughly evaluated the wildfire risks in these areas hardest hit by the storm,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Our plan will effectively reintroduce open burning into these areas with firefighter and public safety as the primary focus.”

Hurricane Michael’s destructive path through the Florida Panhandle resulted in significant damage to homes and property, including nearly 3 million acres of timberland. The volume of timber on the ground has created a serious threat, causing great concern for catastrophic wildfire danger in the short and long term., The Florida Forest Service has transported additional heavy equipment into the area and is working with state and federal agencies to assist with re-establishing fire lines. As of July 1, over 560 miles of fire lines have been re-established.

To obtain a burn authorization in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Jackson or Washington County, contact (850) 373-1801. To obtain a burn authorization in Franklin, Gadsden or Liberty County, contact (850) 681-5951. Certified burn authorizations may also be obtained by downloading the free FLBurnTools app in Apple App Store or on Google Play.

The Florida Forest Service will continuously evaluate current requirements to determine if restrictions are appropriate. For current wildfire conditions, interactive fire maps and more information on burn authorizations, visit FloridaForestService.com.

Doug Mayo
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