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11.11.1. RESOLUTION 99-038 DECLARING A STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY AND PROHIBITING OPEN 11URNING The Board reviewed a Memorandum of April 19, 1999: TO: James E. Chandler', County dministrator FROM: Doug Wright, Director ` Emergency Services DATE: April 19, 1999 SUBJECT: Declaration of Local Emergency and Resolution Prohibiting Open Burning Pursuant to the unusual drought conditions, the increased frequency of brush fires in the past few days, and the US Forestry Service Drought Index being 710, I submit to you that this county is in a very high fire danger period. As you know, the USFS Drought Index uses a rating between 0 and 800 with zero being equal to marsh like conditions and 800 being equal io desert conditions. It is clear given events in St. Lucie, Collier, and Broward Counties in the last few days, that we must operate with an abundance of precaution regarding our potential for fires. Operationally, for reasons cited above, presently we are using a task force response to brush fires which is more aggressive than normal in terms of assigned equipment and staff so that a repeat of events in St. Lucie County does not happen in this county. As you are aware, a small brush fire escalated into a major fire that consumed many homes in St. Lucie County. I am respectfully requesting, based on the existing severe conditions, that you request ;from the Board of County Commissioners approval of the attached resolution declaring a state of local emergency prohibiting open bunting for seven days with extension authority delegated to you if conditions continue and events warrant further extension of the Declaration. At this time, there are no open bum permits in existence which have been issued by the Florida Division of Forestry or Indian River County. I will continue to meet with you on a daily basis for reevaluation of the situation and to address any specific concerns you may have. It should be noted that Florida Governor Jed Bush issued a State of Emergency Declaration regarding wildfires on April 12, 1999, in Executive Order Number 99-88. A copy of the Declaration is attached for information. Staff has consulted with the Florida Division of Forestry and they concur with this action. Attachments Proposed Resolution - Declaration of A State of Local Emergency Banning Open Bunting. Governor's Executive Order Number 99-88 dated April 12, 1999. Commissioner Grin wanted the public to be aware of the fire hazard situation. Emergency Services Director Doug Wright announced that there are unusual drought conditions in the County. The drought index ranges from 0 to 800 and we are at 711, which is almost desert -like. In January of this year we had 28 fires; in February we had 30 fires; in March 83 fires; and for April to date we have had 45 brush fires. This resolution is only APRIL 20, 1999 -45- @OOK PAGE