HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Citing ongoing warm temperatures and dangerously dry conditions, Hillsborough County officials today announced another seven-day extension of the emergency burn ban. The ban prohibits all outdoor open burning across the county.
County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed the Executive Order earlier today, May 9, 2025, continuing the restrictions first put in place on April 25th. The order also maintains the ban on the use of fireworks and sparklers.
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While the ban is in effect, residents are still permitted to use constantly attended barbecue grills for outdoor cooking.
Certain agricultural operations in eastern and southern Hillsborough County are also exempt for the controlled burning of agricultural plastic, and burning specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service remains permissible.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is strongly urging residents to adhere to the burn ban. Since the initial implementation of the ban on April 25th, firefighters have already responded to a staggering 169 outside fires.
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Fire officials emphasize the rapid and destructive nature of “escape fires,” which can ignite when individuals burn items on their property and the flames spread unintentionally to neighboring areas. Residents who violate the burn ban and cause damage through unauthorized burning could face both criminal and civil penalties.
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