HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Citing dangerously dry conditions and elevated wildfire risks, Hillsborough County today declared an emergency burn ban, effective immediately, across all unincorporated and incorporated areas. County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an Executive Order implementing the ban, which prohibits all outdoor open burning.
The decision comes as warm temperatures and a lack of significant rainfall have created tinderbox conditions throughout the region. Officials are taking proactive measures to prevent potentially devastating wildfires.
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The emergency order outlines specific exceptions to the burn ban. Residents are still permitted to use constantly attended barbecue grills for outdoor cooking.
Additionally, certain agricultural enterprises in eastern and southern Hillsborough County are allowed to conduct controlled burns for the disposal of agricultural plastic, a practice permitted under state statute. Any other burning specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service is also exempt.
Under the Executive Order, which can remain in effect for a maximum of seven days initially:
- A local state of emergency is declared.
- All outdoor open burning is strictly prohibited.
- The sale and use of fireworks and sparklers are banned.
- Outdoor grilling is permitted only in contained grills and must be constantly attended.
County officials emphasized that the temporary ban is a necessary step to protect life and property. If dry conditions persist, the order may be extended beyond the initial seven-day period.
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In conjunction with the burn ban, the county is urging residents to take proactive steps to mitigate fire risks around their homes. They have issued the following safety tips:
- Remove potential fuel sources such as dead grass, leaves, twigs, and branches from around structures, roofs, gutters, decks, and walkways.
- Store firewood at least 30 feet away from occupied buildings.
- Consider planting native, fire-resistant vegetation in landscaping.
- Ensure street numbers are clearly visible to aid emergency responders.
- Be aware of the nearest firefighting water source.
- Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly.
- Pick up any light-refracting metal items like soda cans that could potentially spark a fire.
- Avoid parking vehicles over high grass where hot engine components could make contact.
The county also addressed the specific practice of burning agricultural plastic, which is essential for timely disposal between growing seasons. While this method is permitted under state law and does not typically produce embers, the emergency order stipulates that such burning can only occur in open fields, away from any structures, and must be supervised by a field personnel member between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Hillsborough County officials are urging all residents and visitors to adhere strictly to the burn ban and to exercise extreme caution to prevent accidental fires during this period of heightened risk. They will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.
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