TUESDAY, MAY 13 UPDATE:
Officials in Hernando County have lifted the county-wide burn ban for all unincorporated areas. This decision comes as a result of sufficient rainfall, leading to a notable decrease in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index.
Residents are now permitted to burn within the established setbacks and regulations set by the Florida Forest Service.
MONDAY, MAY 12 UPDATE:
Hillsborough County has also rescinded its burn ban for both incorporated and unincorporated regions. Citing heavy rainfall and favorable weather conditions, county officials stated that outdoor burns now pose no significant risk to health and safety.
County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an Executive Order to officially lift the restriction. For more details, you can read the Executive Order at this link. Officials will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.
Although the ban has been lifted, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue advises residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution to prevent fires.
PREVIOUS UPDATES TO THIS STORY:
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The ongoing dry season in the Bay area has led to increased burn bans in several counties. Hillsborough County initially imposed an emergency burn ban on April 25 due to warm temperatures and dry conditions that heightened wildfire risks.
The county stated that exceptions to this ban include constantly attended barbecue grills, specific agricultural burns, and burning that has received explicit authorization from the Florida Forest Service.
The Executive Order signed by Bonnie Wise includes the following:
- A local state of emergency is declared.
- All outdoor open burning is prohibited.
- Fireworks and sparklers are forbidden.
- Outdoor grilling is permitted, provided that the flames are contained and the fire is constantly attended.
This order is legally valid for up to seven days but may be extended if conditions warrant.
What You Need To Know
- Hillsborough County issued its burn ban on Tuesday.
- Citrus, Hernando, Polk, and Pasco counties remain under restrictions by the Florida Forest Service. Pinellas County does not have a burn ban, but open burning of yard debris is prohibited year-round.
- Florida Forest Service: Enacted Burn Bans
Hillsborough’s decision follows a similar ban initiated by Manatee County, which expressed concerns over increasing wildfire risks. The ban will last until conditions improve.
Emergency Managers emphasized that the ban encompasses items with explosive compounds, sparklers, flares, campfires, and other open burning methods due to heightened dryness.
The restrictions apply to various forms of burning including:
• Campfires
• Bonfires
• Unpermitted controlled burns
• Burning yard and household trash
• Burning construction debris
• Burning organic debris
• Fireworks ignition
• Noncommercial burning for nonceremonial purposes, which must be contained within a barbecue grill of specific dimensions.
Polk County officials also noted ongoing dry conditions warranting the ban. Those who violate the regulations may face fines up to $500 or imprisonment.
Smoke/Air Quality
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index
The imposition of burn bans is governed by the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which ranges from 0 to 800, detailing moisture levels in the soil. A KBDI above 500 on more than 50% of the county prompts the initiation of a ban.
Currently, Polk County’s average reading stands at 503, with over half of the region exceeding the 500 threshold.
Article original publish date: 2025-05-13 02:42:00
Article source: www.baynews9.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.baynews9.com
