A Manatee County Burn Ban Was Issued This Morning
Summer feels like it is in full swing all across the Tampa Bay area with temperatures hitting the high 90s. With the lack of rain over the last few weeks and dry conditions, a Manatee Counted burn ban was issued this morning after the brush fires broke out across North Port last week.
The Manatee County burn ban was voted on by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners this morning. The ban includes all outdoor burning and the use of fireworks and sparklers is prohibited in the county while the burn ban is in place.
Manatee County Director of Public Safety Jodie Fiske said, “We’ve been in discussion with the Fire Chief’s Association, as well as the Department of Forestry, in regard to the current drought conditions throughout the county. It is recommended that we declare a burn ban within Manatee County.”
What Are The Rules Of The Manatee County Burn Ban?
The Manatee County Burn Ban includes any sort of items that include “explosive compound”. Things like sparklers, flares, and fireworks contain pyrotechnic composition which is not allowed under the ban. They advise against open burning as well as campfires because the dry conditions could cause fires.
The Manatee County burn ban is effective immediately on June 3rd and will run until 11:59 PM on June 10, 2024. With the wet season upon us, the burn ban shouldn’t ruin your 4th of July plans.
The good news is that you can still enjoy your early summer cookouts since outdoor cookers and grills are allowed. So, fire up the grills and find some meats from some of the best butcher shops across Tampa Bay.
Permitted public firework displays are also allowed as long as there is “adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on-site.” Flares are also allowed as long as they are shot over the Gulf of Mexico.
[Source: mymanatee.org]