Sarasota County has issued a recreational burn ban effective immediately. Because of dry weather and low humidity, the atmosphere is primed for wildfires.
Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier has banned all burning, including campfires. Cooking on an outdoor grill with either coals or propane is still allowed.
There have already been more than three dozen wildfires in Sarasota and Manatee counties, so far this year, compared to just 21 last year.
Charlotte County commissioners passed an emergency ordinance last Tuesday, banning outdoor burning. That includes yard waste, recreational fires, fireworks and sparklers. The ban does not include outdoor barbecues or burn permits issued by the Florida Forest Service.