Crestview fire chief warns against burning storm debris
Officials know that waiting for debris cleanup crews can be taxing on residents, especially as those piles can be massive.
However, Crestview Fire Chief Joshua Vargason is recommending that residents not take matters into their own hands by burning debris.
“Since the storm, it seems like burning is the quick and easy way to dispose of all the debris,” he said. “But since the storm, (the area) has been really, really dry. One ember from burning debris can cause a wildfire.”
Due to the dry conditions, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) issued a warning Oct. 23, advising residents not to burn hurricane debris.
“There is no state ban burn (in effect), it’s a recommendation not to burn,” Vargason said. “Rules around that include 50 feet from a public roadway, 25 feet from your structure or a wood line, and 150 feet from anyone else’s house.”
Vargason said that despite the FDEM warning, city fire crews have responded to several calls related to residents burning debris.
“We have run a few (times) to what we call illegal burns or nuisance calls.”
He said there are very few places within the city that meet the requirements to safely burn debris.
Vargason does point out that unincorporated areas of Okaloosa County have different requirements related to burning. Residents who meet those requirements can burn piles less than 8 feet in diameter. Larger burn piles require a permit from the Florida Forest Service.
However, residents still must take precautions.
“You need to have firefighting equipment like hoses and the ability to put that fire out,” he said. “There are regulations like you have to burn after 8 a.m. and you have to have the fire completely out, not even smoldering, by 30 minutes before sunset.”
The chief said if a spark causes a fire that spreads to property such as the resident’s home, a neighboring home or other property, the person who caused that fire could be held criminally and civilly responsible.
“Depending on the size and that nature, you could have to pay for damages or all the way to charges.”
He added the much safer alternative is allowing the debris removal companies contracted by the city to remove the debris.
As of Oct. 26, the city’s contractor, DRC Emergency Services, had removed 21,000 cubic yards of debris, while city crews had removed approximately 5,000 to 7,000 cubic yards.
Contractors are continuing to make their first pass through the city, moving from the west to east side. Another pass is expected to begin once the first pass has been made.
Crestview City Council also increased spending on contracted debris removal from $250,000 to $550,000 at a meeting held on Oct. 26.
City officials expect debris removal to be completed within the city by Nov. 14.
