As drought persists, Milton bans outdoor fires

Milton Fire Marshal Matt Marietta has issued an indefinite ban on all outdoor agricultural and yard waste burns due to continuing dry conditions caused by the drought, heat, high winds and low humidity.

Since the state lifted the summer burn ban Oct. 1, Milton has seen an increase in grass fires and similar incidents over the same period last year, Marietta said.

Citizens who see an outdoor burn and have safety concerns should call 911 to have the Milton Fire-Rescue Department dispatched to investigate, city officials said in a news release. If necessary, the fire will be put out, and the person responsible, cited.