PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County officials have issued an emergency burn ban, citing increased wildfire risk from dry conditions and a lack of rainfall.
The burn ban is effective immediately and won't expire until conditions improve, Pasco County officials said in a news release. They added that they will notify the community once restrictions are lifted.
The following activities are prohibited to everyone living in unincorporated areas of the county:
- Open burning
- Campfires/bonfires
- Burning yard waste/garbage
"Please remember that simple actions, like tossing a lit cigarette into the grass, can easily ignite brush fires that can quickly spread out of control - putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses," officials said in the release.
County employees added that outdoor cooking in grils or smokers is acceptable, but Pasco County Fire Rescue says residents should make sure their coals are extinguished after they're done cooking.
Anyone in the area planning an open burn must fulfill all permitting requirements with the Florida Forest Service, county officials said.
Anyone who notices a burn ban violation can call the Pasco County Emergency Communications Center at 727-847-8102.
Dry conditions have plagued much of the Tampa Bay area, prompting several other counties to issue similar burn bans. Those counties include Hardee, Highlands, Polk and Sarasota.
