A burn ban was authorized by the Collier County commissioners Tuesday.
With this, the county manager can may recommend an immediate ban of outdoor burning and outdoor ignition sources during extreme drought conditions.
Open burning, which includes any outdoor fire or open combustion of material that produces visible emissions, of trash and yard waste, which also includes vegetative matter is prohibited.
According to county officials, the ban came after consultation between the Collier County Emergency Management Department, Florida Forest Service, Collier County Fire Chiefs' Association and the Collier County Sheriff's Office.
The ban includes all unincorporated Collier County but exempts the following:
- Commercial agricultural burning.
- Lawful controlled industrial or commercial environments that are part of the manufacturing or some type of assembly process.
- Burning activities regulated by the Florida Forest Service.
- Outdoor grills, stoves, cookers and smokers may be used for food prep if the cooking fire is controlled and attended to.
Officials said violations of the burn ban can be worth up to $15,000 if it is determined to cause irreparable or irreversible damage. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.
Anyone looking for more information can call 311 or (239)252-4311.