Outdoor Burn Ban Enforced in Hillsborough and Polk Counties: What You Need to Know

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In response to the current dry spell, officials in Hillsborough and Polk Counties have announced a comprehensive burn ban, seeking to prevent potential fire hazards in the area.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Rob Herrin emphasized the scope of the new restrictions: “The ban covers all forms of open burning. This means residents are not allowed to burn debris or leaves in their backyards, and campfires are also prohibited.”

The prohibition extends to the use of fireworks and sparklers, as well as open fire pits. Herrin acknowledged that this might be disappointing for some residents, especially during this typically cooler time of year in Florida, but stressed the importance of the ban. “Fire pits are included because anything that could send an ember into the air and potentially ignite dry vegetation is not permitted,” he explained.

“Fire pits are also part of the ban, so I get it,” Herrin said. “It’s potentially a cool time of the year in Florida, but that’s part of the ban. Anything that can get an ember up in the air to ignite any dry kind of vegetation, we can’t use it.”

Polk County has a similar ban in effect, but in both counties, grilling will still be allowed.

The map below shows which other Florida counties have enacted burn bans, according to the Florida Forest Service.

“Barbecue grilling, the traditional grilling, smoking your turkeys, the turkey friers, all of that stuff is still in play and able to do that,” Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith said.

The bans will stay in effect until weather conditions improve.