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June 29, 2006
Timber Weller, Division of Forestry
Shelley Szafraniec, Community Information Specialist

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE SERVICES LIFTS BURN BAN; URGES SAFETY FOR HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Department of Forestry Burn Regulations (pdf format)
Burn ban repealed effective 08/26/06 (pdf format)

Fire officials are starting to breathe a little easier in Volusia County. A combination of Tropical Storm Alberto and afternoon thunderstorms has eased the recent drought conditions. Volusia County’s average drought index has dropped to 414 as of Thursday, May 29, according to Capt. Jamey Burnsed, Volusia County Fire Services Wildfire Mitigation Specialist.

The drought index goes from zero - 800, with zero being total saturation and 800 being desert dry.

Due to the current conditions, effective Friday, June 30, Volusia County Fire Services Director James Tauber is lifting the outdoor burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Volusia County and the cities of DeBary, Pierson, Oak Hill and Lake Helen.

“We finally are starting the see the effects of Tropical Storm Alberto and the afternoon thunderstorms,” said Burnsed. “While we still have some small areas in the County that are dry, overall the drought conditions are subsiding. With the public’s continued vigilance, hopefully we’ll put this wildfire season behind us.”

Fire officials urge the public to use common sense this holiday weekend with outdoor burning and to practice extra caution and safety. The recommended way to enjoy fireworks is to visit a public fireworks display put on by professionals who know how to handle fireworks safely. Children should be supervised around fireworks at all times.

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