For Immediate Release, Tuesday, July 11, 2006

BURN BAN LIFTED 

            After consulting with St. Tammany Parish Fire Chiefs, Parish President Kevin Davis has lifted the ban on burning in unincorporated St. Tammany.

            The ban was enacted due to excessively dry conditions over the last several months. Fire districts throughout the parish have experienced a significant increase in calls for service during the recent drought, endangering lives and property.

            Significant rainfall over the last week 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 while dangerous conditions are in effect or outside of the requirements of Parish Ordinances can endanger lives and property,” Davis said. “Public safety is our first priority, and we must continue to monitor conditions and burn only when safe for ourselves and our neighbors. Even though the ban is lifted, I encourage everyone to think of safety first.” 

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