January 22, 2003

Bronson encourages Floridians to avoid outdoor burning

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today urged all Floridians to avoid any unnecessary outdoor burning for the next two weeks because of freeze-damaged vegetation on the ground, low relative humidity, and what are expected to be relatively high winds during the period.

Although a burning ban has not been imposed, current conditions and cold weather forecast for the coming days make outdoor burning dangerous, Bronson said.

“In these conditions, particularly with all of the dead vegetation caused by the freeze, fire can quickly get away from people and result in potentially deadly consequences,” Bronson said. “Our advice is to hold off on burning for now.”

He reminded those who must conduct broadcast or pile burnings that a burn authorization permit must first be obtained from their local Forestry Division Office and noted that applications for such permits will be reviewed carefully and granted only on days when weather conditions warrant and to those with experience in outdoor burning.

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