Highlands County officials, in conjunction with local fire departments and the Florida Division of Forestry, has implemented a countywide burn ban effective immediately.
The ban applies to all non-permitted, outside burning. Agricultural burning will be permitted on a case- by-case basis as authorized by the State Division of Forestry.
The drought index for Highlands County is currently 734, out of 800. An index reading higher than 550 is considered extremely dry.
"We are urging residents to use extreme caution and report any outside burning," said Highlands County Administrator Michael Wright. "Our fire fighters along with the Division of Forestry staff have done an excellent job of keeping our County safe."
As in previous years, the county will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and take additional steps as needed until the drought index is once again satisfactory.
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