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It is beyond staffs ability to predict when the drought conditions will cease and there is great <br />concern about the rising drought index and extreme fire conditions. While in recent weeks there <br />have not been a significant number of brush fires, the fires we have experienced quickly threatened <br />a number of homes. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Out of an abundance of concern and taking prudent action which is necessary to ensure the health, <br />safety and welfare of the community, staff recommends the Board approve the attached resolution <br />declaring a State of Local Emergency restricting and banning all non -permitted bonfires. campfires. <br />fireworks. and yard trash Per statutes, the declaration is valid in seven (7) day increments and must <br />be renewed or it expires at the end of the seven (7) day period. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />Resolution Declaring State of Local Emergency <br />Florida Division of Forestry Keetch-Byram Drought Index <br />Governor Executive Order 01-25 dated January 25, 2001 <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Vice Chairman Stanbridge, <br />SECONDED BY Commissioner Tippin, to approve staff's <br />recommendation. <br />Under discussion, Commissioner Adams understood that this was to adopt a policy <br />that when the drought index reaches 600 we will automatically suspend burning, and <br />Emergency Services Director Douglas Wright advised that the index was 644 and climbing, <br />and it was imperative that his staff know if any substantial burning is going to occur so they <br />can be prepared. Anyone with questions should contact the Fire Prevention Bureau for <br />information. <br />Fire Chief John King explained that the Division of Forestry still can issue permits <br />for agricultural burns. The Emergency Services Department is trying to restrict residential - <br />type burning due to the extreme drought conditions. The department has a problem because <br />they have no power to direct that a residential burn be extinguished, but this resolution would <br />give them that authority. Once the drought index and conditions change, people will be able <br />to burn their yard trash. <br />Discussion ensued about the concerns for burning. <br />February 13, 2001 <br />is <br />121 <br />B<117PG 133 <br />