For Immediate Release, Monday, May 1, 2006

BURN BAN LIFTED 

            Today Parish President Kevin Davis has lifted the ban on burning in unincorporated St. Tammany after consulting with local fire prevention authorities.  

            The ban was instated due to excessively dry conditions over the last several months. 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.

            Significant rainfall over the last several days has sufficiently raised the moisture level to allow the lifting of the burn ban, fire officials say.

            Residents must still comply with all requirements of the Parish Ordinances in respect to debris burning and outdoor fires. 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. Information regarding legal burning and fire safety is available through your local fire department.

             “Burning or setting a fire while dangerous conditions are in effect, or outside of the stipulations of Parish Ordinances can endanger lives and property. We must all honor the restrictions imposed at the request of fire protection officials to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe,” said Parish President Kevin Davis. “Public safety is our first priority.”

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