Dry weather caused by an extended cold snap this El Nino year has caused nearly tinder-dry conditions in Citrus County.

Those conditions have prompted Citrus County Fire Chief Larry Morabito to caution residents to check with state Forestry officials to see if therre's a Red Flag warning in effect befoe burning yard waste.

Morabito's warning comes on the heels of a spate of brush fires this week - stark testimony to the county's current weather conditions. On Wednesday, there were several brush fires, including two that resulted in damage to several structures. Morabito urged residents to be aware of conditions before, during, after the fire is extinguished. One of the fires on Wednesday was the result of a recreational fire that was supposedly extinguished the night before. He also stated that it is imperative that there be a water supply nearby, and that someone be in attendance of the fire at all times. The fire should be kept as small as possible, burning a little at a time.

A Red Flag warning is used when the humidity is so low that it increases the danger of wildfires. Residents can call 352-754-6757 to see if the warning is in effect. Morabito said anyone who burns should be aware of the regulations for burning yard trash and follow them. You can also check the Citrus Daily's weather page.

The Red Flag warnings are issued when there is extreme low humidity, below 35 percent for either more than four hours or when accompanied by a wind of 15 miles per hour or more. “Conditions for a wildfire spreading are more likely in such conditions, and burning should be put off until the humidity goes back up,” Morabito said. Burning anytime it is windy is just asking for a wildfire, he said.

Open burning of yard trash and household paper products generated on occupied residential premises of not more than two family units is allowed in Citrus County, provided the following conditions are met:

* The open burning does not produce smoke, soot, odors, visible emissions, heat, flame, radiation, or other conditions to such a degree as to create a  nuisance.

* The open burning must be enclosed in a non-combustible barrel or container or restricted to a pile no larger than 8 feet in diameter built upon ground cleared of all combustible material. The non-combustible burn container or pile must meet the following setbacks:

               a. 150 feet or more from any occupied building other than owned or leased by the individual doing the burning.
               b. 50 feet or more from any public highway or road.
               c.. 25 feet or more from any residence on the property where burning is conducted.
               d. 25 feet or more from any woodlands, forest, brush or any unoccupied building.
* Burning cannot begin before 9 a.m. and must be extinguished one hour before sunset.
* The fire must be attended at all times and adequate fire extinguishing equipment is readily available at all times.
* Green or wet materials may not be burned.
               a. Burning yard trash is restricted to the site where the material was generated, and may not be transported to another property to be burned
               b. Plastics, rubber, oil, tires, household garbage, construction debris, or other illegally hazardous materials may not be burned.
               c. Yard trash burning does not require authorization from the Division of Forestry. Any violation of these regulations is a criminal violation. The penalty for violation is a second-degree misdemeanor, or punishable by up to 60 days imprisonment and/or a fine up to $500.