DOF urges public to practice safe burning

Officials with Florida Forestry Service’s Blackwater District are asking residents in Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties to use caution if they decide to burn yard waste in the near future.

After the severe drought experienced throughout Florida this summer, residents planning to burn yard debris need to take extra precautions before lighting any fire. While there has been a recent increase in rainfall that has helped reduce the dangers, Northwest Florida currently sits among the highest regions in the state in terms of wildfire danger and drought severity.

“Our region still is dry, there are still many factors that could lead to a well-intentioned backyard burn turning into a major wildfire,” said Tom Ledew, Center Manager for Blackwater River State Forest. “Folks still need to be very careful and very cautious when it comes to burning yard waste right now.”

For more on this story, see the September 1 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.