Sarasota County Acting Fire Chief Mike Hartley has issued a county-wide recreational burn ban, effective immediately, due to the dry weather conditions and an increased chance of wildfires. In accordance with Sarasota County's open-burning ordinance, the mandatory burn ban will remain in effect until weather conditions change and the chance of wildfire decreases.

Recreational fires in Sarasota County are defined as any non-commercial burning of approved fuel for pleasure, religious, or ceremonial reasons. This includes campfires, bonfires and any open fires not specifically permitted by Florida Forest Service. The only exception to the ban is cooking fires used on outdoor grills.

For more information, call 311 in Sarasota County or click here.