Brush and wildfires remain a danger as drought conditions continue in north Florida, where outdoor burn bans are still in effect.
Bradford County Fire Rescue reported on a fire early Sunday afternoon off Northwest 241st Street north of Lawtey. Florida Forest quickly responded with equipment to begin containing the blaze, which had grown to 10 acres a little more than an hour later. It was 40 acres by 4 p.m. and 75 acres by 5:30, at which time the fire department reported it was 50% contained.
It was close to 11 p.m. before units were released from the fire.
The cause of the fire was not reported, but its rapid spread is not a mystery. Most of the state west of Bradford County and into southern Georgia is experiencing exceptional drought conditions, while Bradford and the counties west are in extreme drought. Multiple hard freezes dried plant materials, leaving fuel to heighten wildfire risk.
Counties continue to emphasize the burn bans, which include all outdoor burning: yard trash, barrels, bonfires, fire pits, etc. Chances are too high that one of these burns will get out of control or cause unintended fires nearby.
Those who see illegal burns taking place are encouraged to report them. The sheriff’s office is publicizing the penalties for burn ban violations, including expensive fines, reimbursement of firefighting costs and jail time.
Water shortage order modified
Suwannee River Water Management District has issued a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order, which will go into effect April 22.
The order continues to request voluntary water conservation measures and expands mandatory regulatory measures. Regulatory measures include:
—maintaining a one-day per week landscape irrigation schedule for established lawns. The schedule is: Saturday for odd-numbered addresses or no address, Sunday for even-numbered addresses, and Tuesday for non-residential properties. Irrigation shall not occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
—limiting irrigation to two days per week on new lawn and landscaping projects. The schedule is: Wednesday and Saturday for odd-numbered addresses or no address, Thursday and Sunday for even-numbered addresses, and Tuesday and Friday for non-residential properties. Irrigation shall not occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
—limits to agricultural use, including changes to times allowed for high-pressure overhead irrigation systems.
—changes to golf course irrigation, which limits days of the week when watering is allowed.
More information and details are available at MySuwanneeRiver.com.
