As persistent fires have burned through parts of Hillsborough County, officials have extended the burn ban for a sixth week
TAMPA, Fla. — As fires in Hillsborough County continue keeping firefighters busy, county officials say the burn ban has once again been extended for its sixth consecutive week, effectively prohibiting all outdoor open burning.
The burn ban applies to all areas of the county, officials announced Thursday, noting that since January, fires have burned tens of thousands of acres.
“The overall dry conditions continue to increase the danger of wildfires in Hillsborough County with drought conditions expected to remain high to very high in February. Since the beginning of January, 907 forest and brush fires throughout the state have burned over 39,626 acres. ”
The only exception to the burn ban includes barbecue grilling for outdoor cooking, as long as it has proper supervision. Certain agricultural enterprises in eastern and southern parts of the county can do controlled burns, officials added.
”Under the executive order: A local state of emergency is declared. All outdoor open burning is prohibited. The order bans fireworks, sparklers, and fire pits,” County Administrator Bonnie Wise said. “By law, the order can be in effect for no more than seven days. If conditions persist, the order can be extended.”
County officials also shared safety tips to prevent fires, which include:
Removing fuels that can lead flames to a home or that can be ignited by embersClearing dead grass, leaves, twigs and branches from any structure, roof, gutter, deck or walkwayStoring firewood at least 30 feet from any occupied structuresWhen it comes to landscaping, relying on plants that retain moisture as well as native, fire-resistant vegetationMaking sure street numbers are easy to read to help emergency responders find homes fasterDispose of cigarette butts properlyRemoving light-refracting items that can spark a fireNot parking cars over high grass that could come into contact with hot parts of the carBurning agricultural plastic, typically used to suppress weed growth and help retain soil moisture
Farmers must dispose of agricultural plastic from the previous growing season to meet deadlines for the next season. Burning is the state-approved disposal method, allowed on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a field supervisor present at all times, officials added. It must take place away from structures.
You can register for alerts from Hillsborough County officials to receive burn ban-related updates here.