Sarasota County fire chief issues countywide recreational burn ban effective immediately

Only exception is cooking fires on grills, Chief Michael Regnier says

Image courtesy Sarasota County

Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier has issued a countywide recreational burn ban effective immediately because of the dry weather conditions and an increased chance of wildfires, the county announced on Friday afternoon, April 21.

In accordance with Sarasota County’s open burning ordinance, “the mandatory burn ban will remain in effect until weather conditions change” and the chance of wildfire has been reduced, a news release says.

The only exception to the ban is cooking fires through the use of outdoor grills, the release stresses. Nonetheless, the release continues, residents “are reminded to never leave a grill unattended while cooking and to ensure that the grill is in a safe location.” It is also important to make certain that coals have cooled completely before a person disposes of them, the release adds.

To reduce potential damage to structures during a wildfire, the Sarasota County Fire Department recommends homeowners create a clear and clean 30-foot buffer around all structures, the release notes.

“Should a wildfire erupt, nearby residents are urged to follow the directions from authorities, which may include evacuations in localized areas,” Regnier said in the release. “We ask all residents to remain vigilant during these dry conditions,” he added.

For more information, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000, or visit www.scgov.net.