Seminole County issues emergency burn ban

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County is now under an emergency burn ban due to dry conditions in the county and a lack of rain in the forecast.

County officials said the burn ban prohibits the ignition and burning of open fires until further notice.

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The ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been permitted by the Florida Forest Service. That means bonfires, campfires, and the burning of vegetative (yard) debris is not allowed until the ban is lifted.

County officials said the use of above-ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills is allowed, but you’re encouraged to make sure charcoals are extinguished completely. But if you do use these outdoor cooking methods, you’re asked to not do so in close proximity to heavily wooded areas.

Read: Tiger Bay State Forest wildfire grows to 1,600 acres

Officials said anyone who violates the ban can be punished either by imprisonment for up to 60 days or a fine not to exceed $500 or both.

For additional information, call the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102. Or to report violation of the burn ban, contact Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at 407-665-6650.

Read: Crews battle wildfire at Volusia County’s Tiger Bay State Forest; expect smoky conditions on I-4

Crews battle wildfire at Volusia County’s Tiger Bay State Forest; expect smoky conditions on I-4 The Florida Forest Service said Friday afternoon that it is battling a wildfire in the Tiger Bay State Forest in Volusia County. (WFTV)

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