Posted: March 12, 2009
Fort Pierce – St. Lucie County officials, in conjunction with the St. Lucie County Fire District and Florida Division of Forestry, have implemented a county-wide burn ban effective immediately, including in the City of Port St. Lucie.
The ban applies to all non-permitted, outside burning and fireworks. Agricultural burning will be permitted on a case by case basis as authorized by the State Division of Forestry. The drought index for St. Lucie County is 672 out of 800. A reading higher than 550 is considered extremely dry.
Additionally, the city’s parks and recreation department urges caution with the use of grills in city parks, and asks smokers to be especially vigilant about extinguishing lighted tobacco products before discarding. With ample dry grass and mulch in city facilities, there is an increased risk of fires spreading to park amenities or nearby wooded areas.
The Fire District has deployed a Task Force response to all high risk situations, and the county will continue to monitor the situation daily and take additional steps as needed until the drought index is once again satisfactory.
In the meantime, resident cooperation is essential to limiting fires, and parents should teach children about fire hazards and safety.
For more information, contact:
Erick Gill
Public Information Officer
St. Lucie County
(772) 462-1791