Outdoor burn ban remains in effect for Pierson, Lake Helen, Oak Hill and unincorporated Volusia County

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PIERSON -- An outdoor burn ban issued last month for the cities of Pierson, Lake Helen and Oak Hill, as well as unincorporated areas of Volusia County, remains in effect through at least February because of dry conditions.

Deputy Fire Chief Kathy Weaver said the ban is necessary because of severe drought conditions and last month's cold snap that killed vegetation throughout the county.

All outdoor burning, unless authorized by the Florida Division of Forestry, is prohibited. This includes yard trash, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires and cooking fires. Outdoor cooking done with a contained gas or charcoal grill,  excluding a fire pit, is the only exception.

Violations of the ban are punishable by a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment in county jail for up to 60 days.

Personnel from Volusia County Fire Services will issue violation notices to any person violating the burn ban and also will extinguish any fire not authorized by the Florida Division of Forestry.