For residents of Hillsborough County, the threat of wildfires remains a present concern as officials announce the extension of an emergency burn ban on all outdoor open burns. The ban, which has been in effect for the past two weeks, will persist for yet another seven days. The prohibition includes fireworks, sparklers, and fire pits, as confirmed by the County Administrator Bonnie Wise's Executive Order issued yesterday.
Despite recent rainfall and drop in temperatures, the lingering dry conditions continue to amplify the risk of fire in the county. However, there are exceptions to the ban; residents may still utilize barbecue grills for outdoor cooking, provided the flames are contained and the grill is always attended. A few agricultural operations are also afforded concessions, where controlled burns are utilized for the disposal of agricultural plastic, a practice regulated under state statute which can occur on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., as long the area is supervised by a field manager.
In light of the ongoing restrictions, Hillsborough County officials are offering safety tips to assist residents in preventing accidental fires. These include removing potential fuel such as dead grass, leaves, and twigs from near structures and ensuring that home street numbers are easily visible to emergency responders. The county stresses the importance of planting fire-resistant vegetation and knowing your closest firefighting water source to maintain preparedness in the event of a blaze. They also advise proper disposal of cigarette butts and keeping vehicles off high grass that might ignite from hot engines.
Despite the emergency burn ban, the county recognizes the importance of disposing of agricultural plastic, which is crucial for preventing weed growth and retaining soil moisture between growing seasons. This disposal method, as mentioned above, is permitted under specific conditions to ensure it doesn't increase the wildfire risk. Even with these measures, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed by registering for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's notification system, for updates related to the burn ban. More information on how to sign up can be found on the county's website, here.
