Burn ban begins May 23 in Flagler County, as drought index continues to climb

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index in Flagler County is 451 on a scale where the driest condition is 800.

  • By Julie Murphy
  • | 3:18 p.m. May 22, 2020
Palm Coast firefighters mopped up a fire behind Winn-Dixie, near State Road 100 and I-95, on Friday, May 22. Courtesy photos
Palm Coast firefighters mopped up a fire behind Winn-Dixie, near State Road 100 and I-95, on Friday, May 22. Courtesy photos
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Flagler County enacted a burn ban effective on Saturday, May 23, and declared a state of local emergency to do so.           

“I spoke to Anthony Petellat — district manager for the Bunnell District of the Florida Forest Service — who concurred with our burn ban,” said Fire Rescue Chief Don Petito. “Volusia County has a burn ban in place already. There are four fires in Flagler now and several more in surrounding counties. The conditions are becoming favorable for rapid fire growth so this action will help.”

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index in Flagler County is 451 on a scale where the driest condition is 800.

The burn ban prohibits the following:

  • Discharge of fireworks
  • Open burning, including the use of fire pits and containers
  • Charcoal-burning barbecue grills (propane grills and cookers allowed if attended by an adult)
  • Throwing matches or cigarettes (or other burning materials) from car windows
  • Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas

Palm Coast and Flagler Beach fireworks have already been canceled. Another event, Rockin' the Runway, is scheduled for June 26-27, with fireworks. A decision will be made on those fireworks at a date closer to the event, according to Flagler Broadcasting General Manager David Ayres.

— Brian McMillan contributed to this report.

 

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