Marion County officials have issued a voluntary burn ban due to the “lack of significant rainfall” in the area, with the St. Johns River Water Management District reporting a decrease in rainfall in March of nearly 50% from the county’s average.
A countywide burn ban was issued in Marion County on Wednesday, April 16, by the Marion County Wildland Task Force and Marion County Fire Rescue.
The voluntary ban affects all areas within the county.
According to officials, residents are urged to cease all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Division of Forestry.
“Our lack of significant rainfall has increased the wildfire danger within Marion County,” stated Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta. “We are urging our community to comply with this voluntary ban.”
According to the St. Johns River Water Management District, approximately 1.98 inches of rain fell in Marion County during the month of March. That represents a decrease of nearly 50% from the monthly average (3.69).
In February, the SJRWMD reports that Marion County received 0.9 inches of rain, which was down from a monthly average of 3.23 inches.
In addition to outdoor burning, the ban includes the use of fireworks, sparklers, flares, and other pyrotechnic devices except for “permitted public displays.”
Campfires may be permitted within designated recreational areas only as well, according to a statement from MCFR.
Homeowners are encouraged to clear areas around their homes of underbrush and dry plants/vegetation, and to clear their gutters of leaves and other debris.
Earlier this month, a brush fire broke out behind a Walmart in Ocala.
According to the National Weather Service, over the past three days, approximately 0.02 inches of total rainfall have been recorded across the Ocala area.