6/26/17 @ 3:20 p.m. -  Chief Brady Rigdon began his employment as Nassau County Fire Chief today. Chief Rigdon brings with him 26 years of experience, as well as numerous degrees and certifications in fire technology, emergency medical services and public administration. For more information on Chief Rigdon's background, please read the original story we shared regarding him being selected as Fire Chief on June 6, 2017.

We are certain that Chief Ridgon has the skills and experience necessary to effectively manage Nassau County Fire/Rescue and we are excited to have him on our team.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

6/6/17 @ 8:20 a.m. - Late yesterday afternoon, Brady Rigdon accepted the position as Fire Chief. Mr. Rigdon began his career as a Firefighter/EMT with the City of Jacksonville in 1991 and moved his way through the ranks, achieving the job as the Division Chief of Operations in 2006. He retired after 26 years of service in April 2017. He has also been serving as the Procurement Manager for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation since November 2013.

Mr. Rigdon's education and employment background made him an excellent candidate for the position. He has numerous degrees including an Associate in Arts Degree from FSCJ, an Associate in Science in Fire Technology Degree from FSCJ, an Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services Degree from FSCJ, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Flagler College, and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of North Florida.

An official start date will be determined following a routine background check, drug screen and physical. We are happy that Mr. Rigdon has accepted this offer and we look forward to working with him.

If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Human Resources at (904) 530-6075.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/30/17 @ 9:30 a.m. - The last Burn Ban issued on May 22, 2017, has expired. Citizens are now able to burn yard debris such as grass clippings, brush, leaves, limbs, and any other related item resulted from yard maintenance.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, yard debris can be burned under the following conditions:

• You must meet the required setbacks as depicted in the photo below
• The yard waste was generated on your property
• The yard waste must fit into an 8 foot diameter pile or non-combustible container
• The fire should be ignited after 9:00 a.m. (eastern time) and must be extinguished one hour before sunset

Outdoor Burning Tips

• Avoid burning on dry, windy days
• Burn small piles, gradually adding to the fire as it burns down
• Clear all dry grass and weeds from around your pile or burn barrel
• Cover a non-combustible container with wire mesh to keep sparks from flying out
• Have a water, rake and shovel handy
• Check with Nassau County Fire/Rescue to insure there are no restrictions in place. They can be reached at (904) 530-6600.

Large Burn Piles
Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter will require:

• An authorization from the Florida Forest Service
• Suppression equipment on hand
• Additional setback requirements

For additional info, please visit the Florida Department of Agriculture website.

Please note it is ALWAYS ILLEGAL to burn household garbage including paper products, treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticides, paint and aerosol containers.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/23/17 @ 11:30 a.m. - At last night's meeting, the Board approved a Resolution extending the Burn Ban through May 29, 2017. Though we've had some rain, yesterday's fire danger index was at a level 2 (moderate). County Officials extended the Burn Ban an additional seven (7) days and will reevaluate conditions following this week's rain. All surrounding counties continue to maintain a Burn Ban at this time as well. Pursuant to Florida Statute, Section 252.38(3)(5), burn bans can only be declared locally for seven days, however they may be extended in seven day increments as needed.

During the local state of emergency, open burning of any kind and campfires are prohibited. Additionally, the use or discharge of personal fireworks, sparklers, flares, items containing "explosive compound", and any product containing pyrotechnic composition are also prohibited.

The following activities are permitted with certain conditions:

• Use of outdoor grills and cookers if attended by a responsible adult at all times while in use.
• Any agricultural, silvicultural, or land clearing burn that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service and if determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Flares discharged over the Atlantic Ocean.

Any person violating this order is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree and will be punished as provided by Florida Statutes, Section 775.082 or 775.083. In addition to the penalties described above, any violator shall reimburse Nassau County for all costs incurred as a result of such violation, including without limitation, response and suppression costs.

To report burning, please call 9-1-1. If you have any questions related to the Burn Ban, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/15/17 @ 1:25 p.m. - At a Special Meeting this morning, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2017-96, extending the Burn Ban through May 22, 2017. Pursuant to Florida Statute, Section 252.38(3)(5), burn bans can only be declared locally for seven days, however they may be extended in seven day increments as needed.

During the local state of emergency, open burning of any kind and campfires are prohibited. Additionally, the use or discharge of personal fireworks, sparklers, flares, items containing "explosive compound", and any product containing pyrotechnic composition are also prohibited.

The following activities are permitted with certain conditions:

• Use of outdoor grills and cookers if attended by a responsible adult at all times while in use.
• Any agricultural, silvicultural, or land clearing burn that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service and if determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Flares discharged over the Atlantic Ocean.

Any person violating this order is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree and will be punished as provided by Florida Statutes, Section 775.082 or 775.083. In addition to the penalties described above, any violator shall reimburse Nassau County for all costs incurred as a result of such violation, including without limitation, response and suppression costs.

To report burning, please call 9-1-1. If you have any questions related to the Burn Ban, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/16/17 @ 9:00 a.m. - For the past year, Nassau County Fire Rescue's Special Hazards Operations Team (SHOT) has been working with Rayonier on a series of safety classes to insure that both organizations know how to respond should an emergency situation occur at Rayonier. Together, they have held several trainings on a variety of topics including a confined spaces course and a hazardous materials drill.

Nassau County Fire Rescue recently hosted a series of training sessions for Rayonier's house fire team. The classes were held every Wednesday at Fire Rescue Station 31 from April 19th through May 10th. Approximately 80 team members received live fire extinguishment and self-contained apparatus training. The training sessions were led by Engineer/Paramedic George Faucher, who also serves as Nassau County Fire Rescue's HAZMAT Coordinator, and Bobby Hicks with Rayonier.

Great job to everyone involved including Chief Pete Gunnell for coordinating the trainings and Engineer Paul Thornton for assisting with the training.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/12/17 @ 12:50 p.m. - Below is an update from Emergency Management's FaceBook page:

10 AM UPDATE*** Attached is a recent map showing the location of the Fire. As updates come in, they will be posted on Emergency Management's FaceBook page.

***Weather***
There is a HIGH probability of smoke this afternoon. High winds are expected today.

***Emergency Operations***
Nassau County EOC is closely monitoring the fire in Florida and have staff members set in place in Georgia monitoring it as well. The Nassau County Emergency Operations Center has been activated and there are contingency plans set in place. The County has incorporated mutual aid assistance from outside agencies if needed, and has extra staffing as well as the Florida Forestry Task Force standing by.
If anyone needs assistance or has questions, you are asked to call the Emergency Operations Center at 904-548-0900.

5/11/17 @ 4:40 p.m. - The Emergency Operations Center is currently at a Level 2 activation which means that EOC Command and General staff are represented at the EOC and are continuously monitoring the potential for wildfire in our County.

Residents west of County Road 121 and south of County Road 108 to the Duval line were advised yesterday to begin making preparations for a possible evacuation. If you have not yet signed up for citizen alerts, please take the time to do that now. The EOC will be staffed around the clock so please call (904) 548-0900 for updates anytime of day or night. You can also check their webpage and FaceBook page for continuous updates throughout the evening.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

At last night's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2017-95, extending the Burn Ban through May 15, 2017. Pursuant to Florida Statute, Section 252.38(3)(5), burn bans can only be declared locally for seven days, however they may be extended in seven day increments as needed.

During the local state of emergency, open burning of any kind and campfires are prohibited. Additionally, the use or discharge of personal fireworks, sparklers, flares, items containing "explosive compound", and any product containing pyrotechnic composition are also prohibited.

The following activities are permitted with certain conditions:

• Use of outdoor grills and cookers if attended by a responsible adult at all times while in use.
  
• Any agricultural, silvicultural, or land clearing burn that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service and if determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Flares discharged over the Atlantic Ocean.

Any person violating this order is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree and will be punished as provided by Florida Statutes, Section 775.082 or 775.083. In addition to the penalties described above, any violator shall reimburse Nassau County for all costs incurred as a result of such violation, including without limitation, response and suppression costs.

To report burning, please call 9-1-1. If you have any questions related to the Burn Ban, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

At a Special Meeting this morning, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2017-87, extending the Burn Ban through May 8, 2017. Pursuant to Florida Statute, Section 252.38(3)(5), burn bans can only be declared locally for seven days, however they may be extended in seven day increments as needed.

During the local state of emergency, open burning of any kind and campfires are prohibited. Additionally, the use or discharge of personal fireworks, sparklers, flares, items containing "explosive compound", and any product containing pyrotechnic composition are also prohibited.

The following activities are permitted with certain conditions:

• Use of outdoor grills and cookers if attended by a responsible adult at all times while in use.
• Any agricultural, silvicultural, or land clearing burn that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service and if determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.
• Flares discharged over the Atlantic Ocean.

Any person violating this order is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree and will be punished as provided by Florida Statutes, Section 775.082 or 775.083. In addition to the penalties described above, any violator shall reimburse Nassau County for all costs incurred as a result of such violation, including without limitation, response and suppression costs.

To report burning, please call 9-1-1. If you have any questions related to the Burn Ban, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office