Charlotte County's burn ban halts New Year's fireworks amid drought

As New Year's Eve approaches, residents of some Southwest Florida neighborhoods may need to rethink their celebration plans. In Charlotte County, an active burn ban is in effect due to arid and severe drought conditions, prohibiting the use of all fireworks, including sparklers.

"A lot of people do want to celebrate with fireworks for both holidays, and we must be in a burn ban that does include the use of private fireworks in the community," said Ashley Turnar, Charlotte County Public Safety public information officer.

The burn ban means that all fireworks, both at-home and professional, are off-limits. Even after fireworks are used, the danger isn't over.

"If you don't douse your fireworks in water afterwards, you can just throw them in a trash can. You think they're easy, ready to go, they're done, but it can catch on something in your trash can hours later and then go up in flames," said Turnar.

Despite restrictions on private fireworks, approved community firework shows are still taking place, including one at Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda and another at Sunseeker Resort.

WINK News contacted the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office for details on potential fines or enforcement related to setting off fireworks during the burn ban. They are still awaiting a response.