Brush fire ignited by residential debris burn

Santa Rosa County officials advised residents to use caution when burning yard debris following a brush fire in Avalon on Dec. 28, in which crews from the Avalon and Bagdad fire departments and the division of forestry responded. The brush fire was the result of a backyard debris burn getting out of control. The fire burned approximately eight acres of grass and trees and threatened a home, cars and a boat, but caused no damage or injuries.

“Residents are asked to use extreme caution when burning yard debris,” explained County Public Information Officer Joy Tsubooka. “With proper site preparation and forethought, vegetative debris can be burned with reasonable safety. Taking the time to plan an outdoor burning project, preparing the burn site and equipping yourself with basic fire-suppression tools before lighting the match will dramatically reduce the chance of a burn pile fire getting out of control and becoming a 911 call.”