Lee County leaders extend burn ban amid dry conditions

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Lee County leaders voted to extend the countywide burn ban Tuesday as dry conditions continue to raise concerns about wildfire danger.

The area is currently under moderate fire danger, meaning conditions are favorable for fires to start and spread.

While the Gulf Coast has seen some rainfall over the past two days, it has not been enough to significantly ease the dry conditions.

Parts of Cape Coral received between one and two inches of rain during that time, while Fort Myers saw nearly three inches.

However, rainfall totals over the past 24 hours have been minimal, with coastal areas receiving only about an inch of rain.

Over the weekend, Cape Coral firefighters battled a 36-acre brush fire that produced large plumes of smoke and forced road closures.

According to the Cape Coral Fire Department, the fire was caused by a campfire.

Under the current burn ban, starting campfires, bonfires, or igniting fire pits outdoors is illegal. County leaders are expected to vote on extending the ban in an effort to prevent additional fires.

The burn ban will remain in effect for 30 days and may be extended in seven-day increments if conditions warrant.

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