Pasco County, FL – Residents across Pasco County are now under a countywide emergency burn ban effective immediately, as officials warn extremely dry conditions have significantly increased the risk of brush and wildfire outbreaks.
According to Pasco County Fire Rescue, the mandatory burn ban applies to all areas of the county and will remain in effect until it is formally rescinded. Officials say the prolonged lack of rainfall has created dangerous conditions where fires can ignite and spread rapidly, threatening homes, businesses, and lives.
The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service. This includes open burning, campfires, bonfires, and the burning of yard waste or garbage. The restrictions primarily impact residents living in unincorporated areas of Pasco County, where outdoor burning is more common.
Fire officials emphasized that even seemingly minor actions — such as tossing a lit cigarette into dry grass — can quickly lead to an uncontrollable brush fire under current conditions.
Outdoor cooking using grills or smokers is still allowed, provided the equipment is designed to contain flames, heat, and embers. Pasco County Fire Rescue urges residents to ensure all coals are fully extinguished once cooking is complete.
Anyone planning to conduct burning that may qualify for an exception must follow all Florida Forest Service permitting requirements. Officials say the permit process helps assess and reduce potential fire risks before any burning activity is approved.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected burn ban violations to the Pasco County Emergency Communications Center at 727-847-8102.
County officials say the community will be notified once weather and environmental conditions improve enough to safely lift the ban.
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