As burn bans are still in place for some counties, it’s important to know the guidelines to adhere to based on the area you live in.
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay area has grappled with extreme drought conditions for several weeks, prompting burn bans in multiple counties.
But this week, a new report from the National Weather Service (NWS) shows the drought is beginning to ease up with the rainy season getting underway. It’s important to note, though, that despite some rain, the NWS says it has not led to “meaningful improvements” to the long-term deficit as of yet.
So as burn bans are still in place for some counties — and others have been lifted — it’s important to know the guidelines to adhere to based on the area you live in.
Here are the Tampa Bay-area counties that are still under a burn ban as of May 30. Residents can also stay up-to-date using the Florida Forest Service map.
Is Hillsborough County still under a burn ban?
Yes, Hillsborough County extended its emergency ban Thursday on all outdoor open burning for the 20th consecutive week.
County officials say while there have been recent showers and the forecast calls for rain, the overall dry conditions continue to increase the danger of wildfires.
The only exceptions to the burn ban are:
A constantly attended barbecue grill for outdoor cookingCertain agricultural enterprises in eastern and southern parts of the county that can dispose of agriculture plastic through controlled burns Burning that has been specifically allowed by the Florida Forest Service
Is Pinellas County still under a burn ban?
Pinellas County already prohibits burning yard debris, construction debris, and household trash year-round.
Is Polk County still under a burn ban?
Yes, the Florida Forest Service map shows Polk County is still under a burn ban, prohibiting activities such as:
CampfiresBonfiresUnpermitted controlled burnsBurning of yard and household trashBurning of organic debrisFireworksNoncommercial burning; “other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, which is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit and the total fuel area exceeds 3ft in diameter and 2ft in height.”
Is Pasco County still under a burn ban?
Yes, the Florida Forest Service map shows Pasco County is still under a burn ban.
No burning is allowed except in the conditions listed on the county’s website.
Is Hernando County still under a burn ban?
Hernando County officials say the burn ban has been lifted following a reduced number of brush fire responses in recent weeks, as well as adequate precipitation accumulations resulting in a drop in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). Residents are free to resume burning with the regulations set forth by the Florida Forest Service.
Is Citrus County still under a burn ban?
Citrus County rescinded its burn ban on Tuesday following improved environmental conditions, including recent rainfall, lower KBDI readings, updated meteorological forecasts and improved vegetation moisture conditions.
However, county officials are reminding residents that outdoor burning remains regulated by Florida law and Florida Forest Service requirements.
“While conditions have improved enough to safely rescind the burn ban, residents should still use caution and common sense with any outdoor burning,” Fire Chief Craig Stevens said in a statement. “It does not take long for conditions in Florida to become dangerous again, especially with dry vegetation, wind, and heat.”
Is Manatee County still under a burn ban?
No, the Florida Forest Service map shows Manatee County’s burn ban has been lifted.
Is Sarasota County still under a burn ban?
Yes, the Florida Forest Service map shows Sarasota County is still under a burn ban.
All outdoor burning is prohibited unless a permit has been issued and is applicable for the unincorporated areas of Sarasota County and the city of Sarasota.
Exceptions include cooking on barbeque grills or pits that do not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height, or any other valid state or county-authorized burn.