State of emergency declared in Clay County

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It’s another sign of the dangerously dry spring across Northeast Florida.

Clay County has issued a burn ban, effective Tuesday until further notice.  The ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been permitted by the Florida Forest Service.

The county also declared a state of emergency until May 15 due to "Dry, parched and windy conditions."

You are still able to use a gas or charcoal grill, but Emergency Managers ask you to keep a constant watch for any stray sparks or embers while cooking outdoors.

Motorized equipment like lawnmowers, ATVs, and dirt bikes could pose accidental ignition risks.

Emergency Managers recommend property owners clear underbrush or debris, as the dry vegetation creates more fuel for wildfires.

Cox Media Group