Manatee County to consider proposed burn ban. COVID-19 may make fires more likely
Already dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Manatee County Department of Public of Safety has concerns about the current local drought conditions. While wildfires are typical this type of year, Manatee County is hoping to take preventative measures.
As of Monday, Manatee County had the third highest drought index in the state.
On Tuesday, at public safety director Jacob Saur’s recommendation, the Manatee County County Commission will consider whether to impose a local burn ban.
An illegal pile burn out in East Myakka City on Saturday contributed to these concerns.
The fire burned at least 10 acres and threatened three structures before it was contained, according to Florida Forest Service Myakka River District spokesman Patrick Mahoney. The forest service spent hours at the scene with two units, and East Manatee Fire Rescue and the Myakka City Fire Department also responded to assist in protecting the structures.
The person who started that illegal pile burn was cited, according to Mahoney.
Although this is the dry season, when wildfires are typical in Florida, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Florida Forest Service to stop all of its prevention and mitigation efforts.
Residents can help by taking the time now to clean their gutters and roofs.
“Because we are still dry, please be careful with any open flames or anything that produces heat, that could easily start a fire,” Mahoney said. “It’s only going to get worse until the rainy season.”
A local burn ban cannot supersede the state agency from issuing burn authorizations, however.
On Monday, there were 46 active wildfires in the state, according to the forest service’s active wildfire dashboard.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 6:54 PM with the headline "Manatee County to consider proposed burn ban. COVID-19 may make fires more likely."
