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PrintOver the last three months, Woodbury’s total rainfall has been about 11 inches less than what is normal for April, May and June.
That has caused drought-like conditions and concern by local officials about the potential for fires and water shortages.
Today, Woodbury Mayor Harold Patrick issued the following warning:
“It is unsafe to have any open burning or to discharge fireworks at this time. The risk to you and your neighbor is too great.”
Mayor Patrick said the Woodbury Fire Department is on a status of “high alert” in the event a fire or fires do occur.
The mayor said he would prefer issuing an executive order banning all outdoor burning and the setting off of fireworks, but there is nothing in the city’s charter which gives him that authority.
“I would like to put a stop to it because the chances of a serious situation developing are extremely high at this time, but I can only ask,” Mayor Patrick said. “And I am asking that all citizens use good judgment and be aware of the dangers before engaging in such activities.”
Woodbury’s normal average rainfall for April through June is 14 inches. As June draws to a close, there has been only 3.02 inches of rain during that period. June has brought only 0.89 inches of precipitation, most of which fell during the first two days.
Mayor Patrick said two fire trucks and will be stationed at Dillon Park next Tuesday during the annual Cannon Communities’ 4th of July Celebration.
“I am also going to see if some of the county’s volunteer fire departments can be on standby just in case,” the mayor said. ‘We are going to take every precaution possible.”
Mayor Patrick also said the town’s water supply is also running low.
“Our water situation is beginning to reach the critical stage,” he said. “We are urging people to conserve water as possible.”
