HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — If you were planning a backyard bonfire this weekend, you’ll need to make other plans. Hillsborough County officials announced on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, that the emergency ban on open burning is staying in place for at least another week.
The reason is simple: it is just too dry.
Since the new year began, Florida has already seen 188 fires across the state. These fires have scorched more than 2,600 acres of land. Because the rain has stayed away, the danger of wildfires spreading quickly is very high right now. To keep families and homes safe, County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an Executive Order to keep the ban active.
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What Does This Mean For You?
Under this emergency order, a “local state of emergency” is in effect. Here is what is allowed and what isn’t:
- NO fireworks or sparklers.
- NO fire pits or campfires.
- NO open burning of trash or yard waste.
- YES, you can grill food outside. However, the fire must be contained inside a barbecue grill, and you have to stay with it the entire time it is lit.
Exceptions for Farmers
There is a small exception for local farmers. In eastern and southern parts of the county, agricultural businesses are still allowed to burn plastic used for farming. This is necessary to clear fields for the next planting season. This is only allowed on weekdays during daylight hours and requires a supervisor to be watching the field. Officials say this type of burning doesn’t create the kind of flying embers that usually start wildfires.
How to Stay Safe
Firefighters are asking residents to help out by cleaning up their yards. Dry leaves, dead grass, and twigs can act like fuel for a fire.
- Clear dead plants away from your roof, gutters, and decks.
- If you smoke, make sure cigarette butts are fully out before throwing them away.
- Don’t park your car over tall, dry grass. A hot engine can easily start a fire.
- Pick up soda cans or metal garbage in the yard, as sunlight hitting them can sometimes create a spark.
The ban is set to last for seven days, but officials warn that if the dry weather sticks around, the ban will too. Residents can sign up for text alerts at HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert to know when it is safe to burn again.
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