As New Year’s Eve approaches, Baker County residents are being urged to forego their traditional fireworks celebrations. This comes as the county enforces an active burn ban, a measure deemed essential by local authorities to safeguard the community.

The Baker County Board of Commissioners issued a public notice highlighting the ongoing elevated fire risk. “Current conditions continue to present an elevated fire risk, and these restrictions are necessary to protect public safety, property, and natural resources,” the notice stated, emphasizing the importance of these restrictions.

Fire officials are sounding the alarm about the potential dangers fireworks pose in such dry conditions. “One spark is all it takes,” they caution, pointing out that fireworks can easily ignite dry grass and debris. This can rapidly escalate into grass and brush fires, threaten structures, and even cause serious injuries. The advisory also includes seemingly benign fireworks like sparklers, fountains, and firecrackers, underscoring that even these can contribute to the fire risk.

Fire officials warn that “one spark is all it takes,” adding that fireworks can quickly ignite dry grass and debris, leading to grass and brush fires, structure fires and often times, serious injuries. Even small fireworks such as sparklers, fountains and firecrackers pose a risk, officials said.

Macclenny Fire and Rescue said on Facebook that sparklers burn at temperatures hotter than a blowtorch, making them “extremely dangerous in dry conditions.”

The fire department further stated that fireworks start thousands of fires in the United States each year, many of which are grass and brush fires, and that most fires occur during dry and windy weather — the same conditions Baker County is currently experiencing.

Those who violate the county’s burn ban may be subject to fines and emergency response costs, officials said.

Baker County Fire Rescue, in coordination with the Florida Forest Service, will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as conditions change. Residents are asked to comply with all burn ban guidelines until the ban is officially lifted.