FORT PIERCE - St. Lucie County officials want to remind residents that the county-wide burn ban remains in effect.

In conjunction with the St. Lucie County Fire District and Florida Division of Forestry, St. Lucie County is continuing the burn ban, as the drought index remains above the 500 mark. The county's drought index is currently 503 out of 800.

The burn ban applies to all non-permitted, outside burning and fireworks. Agricultural burning will be permitted on a case-by-case basis as authorized by the State Division of Forestry.

"Based on the dry conditions at this time, we feel the need to continue the burn ban," said St. Lucie County Fire Chief Ron Parrish. "The ban has been very effective. Because it is crucial for the safety and the security of the citizens, we will maintain it until further notice."

Firefighters responded to a brush fire, which was started by three children, yesterday on an empty lot on the 6100 block of N.W. East Deville Circle in the East Torino Area.

The St. Lucie County Fire District continues to utilize its Task Force Response Team, which includes two brush trucks, one fire engine, one tanker, one battalion chief and a Division of Forestry plow.

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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