Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services continues to respond daily to outdoor burning alarms typically called into the 911 Center by neighbors and other concerned citizens even though out door burning permits have been suspended since the ban went into effect on May 1, 2007. According to Interim Public Safety Director Allen M. McCullough the burning ban during spring and summer months is even more important to obey as a result of the present drought conditions and days with significant wind gusts. We have all seen the devastation from wild land fires from California and Florida over the last several years and now we see the impact of such fires here in Georgia. Without question the best way to avoid the devastation caused by fires is through education and prevention. Our goal in fire services is to assure compliance through these measures first, but certainly can enforce compliance more formally through citations when necessary.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services will begin enforcement of violators of the burn ordinance for those who continue to ignore or not comply with the burning ban. It only takes a spark from a rubbish fire or a discarded cigarette butt to ignite dry grass or adjacent woodlands and combined with strong wind begin to consume an area and everything within its path in only moments.
In addition, outdoor burning during the spring and summer months has not only environmental consequences but also posses increased health risk especially to those who have pre-existing medical conditions such as Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases ( Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema). Children, the elderly, and those with other chronic disabilities can be medically impacted adversely due to smoke conditions which become stagnant and cannot be easily dissipated in the community’s environment.
Chief McCullough encourages all citizens to remember lessons learned decades ago from Smoky the Bear, “Only you can prevent forest fires”. It was true fifty years ago and is true for us today in 2007. Fire prevention is every citizen’s duty and responsibility. Please help the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services protect our community through your individual efforts in complying with the burning ban. Through your efforts in prevention, also remember to teach your children the importance of fire safety and prevention as well.