ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Alachua County announced on the morning of Wednesday, May 27 that it is lifting its countywide burn ban, which has been in place off-and-on since, oh, around last Thanksgiving.
The county’s announcement cited recent rainfall and the forecast for more as having, um, precipitated the decision.
“County officials, in coordination with the Florida Forest Service (FFS), determined that improving environmental conditions have significantly reduced the immediate threat of wildfires,” read the announcement, in part.
Alachua County also noted that the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures soil and vegetation aridity, dropped from 618 to 415 over the past week.
“Recent rainfall has significantly improved conditions across Alachua County and reduced the wildfire risk that led to the burn ban,” said Fire Chief Harold Theus in a statement. “While the ban is being lifted, we encourage residents to continue practicing safe and responsible outdoor burning to help prevent accidental fires.”
Alachua County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service will continue to closely monitor conditions in the area, and remind residents to strictly follow all state and federal regulations regarding outdoor burning.