For Immediate Release, Tuesday, January 24, 2006
 

BURN BAN LIFTED 
 

            Parish President Kevin Davis has lifted the burn ban in effect since earlier this month.

            Months of dry weather have been broken only occasionally by rainfall, spurring fire chiefs two weeks ago to ask Davis to issue another temporary ban. Rainfall in the last few days has sufficiently raised the moisture level to make a complete lifting of the ban safe, fire officials say. Fire districts throughout the parish have experienced an increase in calls for service since Hurricane Katrina, as piles of debris and lack of rain have created a fire-friendly environment.

            After consulting local fire officials, Davis today lifted the ban.

            Despite the lifting of the ban, residents must still comply with all requirements of the law. The local ordinance regarding burning stipulates that a fire can be no more than eight feet in diameter and four feet in height. Burn sites cannot be left unattended and can only be operated between sunrise and one hour before sunset. A functional water hose must be located next to the site, and the fire must be at least 10 feet from the property line and 50 feet from any structure. If the fire is closer than 50 feet, a container must be used. Only one fire site is permitted per homesite or parcel of land.

 “I realize that many residents are anxious to dispose of debris by burning,” Davis said, “but public safety and welfare must be the first priority of every citizen. Careless burning or setting a fire while dangerous conditions are in effect can have disastrous consequences to lives and property. We must all honor the restrictions imposed at the request of fire protection officials to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe.”

 

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