HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Due to persistent dry conditions and increasing temperatures, Hernando County has issued an immediate temporary ban on all outdoor burning within its unincorporated areas.
The emergency prohibition, enacted under Hernando County Code Chapter 12 Article VI, took effect today, April 27th, 2025.
County officials cite a significant lack of recent rainfall and steadily increasing temperatures as the primary drivers behind the decision. These conditions have created an environment highly susceptible to the ignition and rapid spread of brush fires.
READ: Hillsborough County Issues Emergency Burn Ban Amidst Dry Conditions
The severity of the situation is underscored by the current Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reading for Hernando County.
As of April 26th, 2025, the KBDI stands at 559 and continues to climb, placing the county in the “Moderate/High” drought category. This alarming metric aligns with Florida Forest Service forecasts, which have designated Hernando County as facing a “Very High” risk of fire.
The newly instated county-wide Burn Ban strictly prohibits all forms of outdoor burning that have not received specific authorization from the Florida Forest Service. This includes recreational bonfires, campfires, and the burning of yard waste and other vegetation debris.
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However, the ban does include a limited exception for cooking purposes. Residents are still permitted to use attended and monitored barbecue equipment, provided that it is a contained gas or charcoal grill.
Authorities are also emphasizing the critical importance of exercising extreme caution with potential ignition sources.
“Be mindful that simply tossing a lit cigarette into the grass can easily ignite brush fires that can spread out of control rapidly, putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses,” said HCSO.
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