Manatee County Imposes Burn Ban

MANATEE COUNTY — Due to continued hot and dry weather, the Manatee County Commission is imposing a ban on all outdoor burning and the use and discharge of fireworks and sparklers in the county, effective immediately.

"We are deeply concerned about the ongoing hot and dry conditions that have significantly increased the risk of wildfires in our community,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “We urge all citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to the restrictions, and exercise caution during this period.

Emergency Managers point out that the ban includes items containing any "explosive compound," sparklers, any item or product using or containing any amount of pyrotechnic composition, flares, open burning, and campfires, due to the increasingly dry conditions in the county.

“Even the smallest spark can lead to devastating consequences under our current dry conditions,” said Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Matt Myers. “We urge all residents to comply fully with these restrictions to safeguard our community.”​

The following uses will continue to be allowed:

• Outdoor cookers or grills if they are always attended by a responsible adult while the unit is in use
• Any agricultural, silvicultural, or land-clearing burn that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service and it has been determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on site
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site
• Flares discharged over the Gulf

This burn ban will be in effect until 11:59 p.m., April 29, 2025, unless extended as allowed by law.