Not long after the Marion County Wildland Task Force issued a press release on Deb. 6 announcing a voluntary burn ban, a wildfire broke out Feb. 7 near Weirsdale and Ocklawaha. On Feb. 10, the ban became mandatory.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners press release noted that the countywide mandatory burn ban would become effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
“The action follows recent freezing temperatures, dry conditions, and sustained winds that have significantly increased the risk of wildfire throughout Marion County. County officials determined the burn ban is necessary to protect the health, safety, and property of residents,” the release noted…