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Fines Could Follow Outdoor Burning Violations
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Published: January 10, 2009
NEW PORT RICHEY - If residents don't pay attention to outdoor burning regulations, then hefty fines up to $500 might light a fire under them to be more careful, county officials figure.
Drought conditions are creating the threat of wildfires, Pasco fire and rescue officials emphasize. Brush fires can quickly spread when people burning yard debris let the fire get out of control.
Last weekend a blaze affected 80 acres at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park and forced the closure of a bike trail in the 8,000-acre park, Pasco Assistant Fire Chief Mike Ciccarello said.
"I know it wasn't lightning" that caused the wildfire, Ciccarello commented. Investigators aren't sure of the exact cause.
Carelessness of people often has led to wildfires in past years when leaves and vegetation get very dry.
Last year, 3,216 wildfires in Florida consumed 184,516 acres, according to figures from the state Division of Forestry. Arson and embers from burning debris are the top causes of wildfires.
In September, the county passed rules which basically outlaw most open burning. The county regulation is patterned after state law.
"It can have some pretty stiff penalties," Ciccarello said about the county law, so people need to be aware of fines up to $500 for illegal fires.
"That's pretty substantial," Ciccarello said about fines. Even a first offense can carry a fine, he said, so the county can recover some of its costs battling illegal blazes.
"The humidity has dropped and the wind has picked up," Ciccarello said about conditions favorable for wildfires. Any hard freezes that might come this winter could make conditions worse.
As of Wednesday, Pasco County scored 614 on the Keetch Byram Drought Index, which is on the dry end of the scale from 0 to 800, Division of Forestry figures show.
People can report wildfires set by arsonists by calling a toll-free Division of Forestry phone hot line at 1-800-342-5869.
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