Hillsborough County officials have determined that the risk of wildfire is too great to allow open burning to continue. As a result, they've announced an extension of the emergency burn ban for another week, seeking to mitigate any potential disaster from unfolding in the already parched region, according to a report from Hillsborough County's newsroom. The ban applies to all outdoor open burning and includes fireworks and sparklers, although barbecue grills are still permitted provided they're consistently monitored during use.
The extended ban comes as warm temperatures, and persistent dry conditions create a tinderbox scenario ripe for wildfires. County Administrator Bonnie Wise, signed the Executive Order on Friday, which also decrees a local state of emergency. Under this order, certain agricultural operations have been granted an exception to dispose of agricultural plastic through controlled burns, a necessary step to prepare for the next growing season. However, as a precaution, any such controlled burning is strictly designated to weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and must be supervised at all times.
While the community grapples with the necessary restrictions, the Hillsborough County newsroom has also shared vital safety tips to prevent fires. These measures include removing flammable debris from around homes, planting fire-resistant vegetation, and ensuring home street numbers are clearly visible. Residents are also advised to be mindful of cigarette disposal and to keep high grass away from hot vehicle components to avoid accidental ignition.
In the realm of agriculture, the necessity for burning agricultural plastic has been acknowledged. This process is crucial for farmers to prep their land for the upcoming season, a reality that the state statute recognizes and permits. While this method of disposal does not produce embers that could cause secondary fires, there are strict guidelines in place to ensure these burns occur in open fields away from structures, the Hillsborough County's newsroom clarified.
