HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Hernando County Fire crews are currently battling a brush fire off Suncoast Parkway and Cortez Boulevard at the northbound exit ramp, according to a tweet.
Authorities are asking those in the area to use caution.
On April 11, county officials issued a county-wide burn ban following the ongoing lack of rain and hot temperatures.
Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning not permitted by the Florida Forest Service is prohibited. In addition, bonfires, campfires, and burning vegetation (yard) debris are not allowed. The burn ban does not apply to cooking or using barbecue equipment as long as it's a contained gas or charcoal grill.
The community should know that even simply tossing a lit cigarette into the grass can ignite a brush fire putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses, the sheriff's office said.
The burn ban will be in effect until the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners determines that emergency drought conditions no longer exist.
If you wish to report violations of the burn ban, contact the Hernando County Communications Center at 352-754-6830.
This is a developing story. Stay with 10 Tampa Bay for the latest information.
