Burn ban issued for DeSoto County after 52 fires spark in 18 days

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. —

DeSoto County was placed under a burn ban on Wednesday, Feb. 18, as the county faces the worst drought it has seen in 25 years.

According to the DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners, within 18 days, there were 52 fires. Out of the 52 fires, 38 of them were brush fires, 11 were structural fires, and three were vehicle fires. The county said the statistics are reflected from Feb. 1 to Feb. 18.

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been permitted by the Florida Forest Service. DeSoto County officials said that includes the following:

• Fireworks
• Sparklers
• Bonfires
• Trick noisemakers and novelties
• Flares
• Campfires
• Burning of vegetative (yard) debris

However, above-ground charcoal, gas, electric grills and barrel-type barbecue smokers are permitted. Barrel-type barbecue smokers are not considered "open burning", according to the DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners.

The county advised residents to avoid outdoor cooking methods if they're near heavily wooded areas and to make sure charcoals are extinguished after cooking when using grills.

Anyone seeking additional information can call DeSoto County at (863)993-4800. If you're reporting a burn ban violation, you can contact the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863)993-4700.

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