Burn Ban Set In Hillsborough County

TAMPA, FL — Hillsborough County has joined others across Florida in enacting a ban on outdoor burning as dry conditions continue to spark wildfires across the region and state. The county announced Thursday afternoon its Emergency Policy Group issued an executive order to ban outdoor burning until May 4 at least.

“Warm temperatures and dry conditions have combined to increase the danger of wildfires in our area,” the county wrote in an email explaining its decision. The emergency policy group includes three Hillsborough County commissioners, Sheriff David Gee and the mayors of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. The group is tasked with protecting the health, safety and welfare of county residents during declared emergencies.

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The county's order declares a local state of emergency while also prohibiting open burning outdoors. The only exception "is burning that has been specifically allowed in writing by the Florida Forest Service," a Thursday afternoon email from the county said.

Sparklers and fireworks are also banned under the order. Outdoor grilling is allowed, but flames must be contained within a grill or other fireproof container. Grills must be attended at all times and fully extinguished when cooking is completed.

Under law, the county can only enact a ban for seven days at a time. The ban, however, can be extended, officials notes.

As wildfires continue to rage across Florida, Gov. Rick Scott has also declared a state of emergency. As of Thursday morning, the Florida Forest Service reported there were 89 wildfires burning across the state on lands under its jurisdiction. Twenty-five of those fires spanned 100 acres or more, covering 24,451 acres combined. Three fires, spanning 100,554 acres, were also burning on federal lands within Florida.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Ruskin say conditions are likely to remain ripe for fire weather over the next few days at least. Rain isn’t expected to play a significant role in the forecast through the rest of the week.

For more information on wildfires, county burn bans and fire dangers, visit the state’s website.

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