Manatee’s temporary burn ban still in effect. It’s helping to save lives, chiefs say
A recently implement burn ban is helping limit the accidental spread of dangerous fires, according to Manatee County’s fire rescue chiefs. Now, officials are urging residents to follow those rules until steady rain returns to the Bradenton area.
“Since the burn ban went into effect two weeks ago, there has been a decline in brush fires, so it is working,” East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst said in a statement.
“Manatee County’s drought index, a scale of 0 – 800, is now over 600, which is in the moderate drought range,” added Whitehurst, who is also the chair of the Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association.
The Florida Forest Service’s statewide look at drought conditions shows that most of Central and South Florida are dealing with the same extremely dry conditions, according to the latest Keetch-Bryam Drought Index.
The local burn ban, which was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 24, temporarily prohibits certain activities, such as campfires, open burning and the use of fireworks. Residential fire pits are still allowed, as long as they are being monitored by an adult until the fire is extinguished, according to a press release.
Following these rules makes it easier for firefighters to respond to medical emergencies, Myakka City Fire Control District Chief Danny Cacchiotti said in a statement.
“When the fire department is preoccupied with responding to illegal outside fires, it becomes very difficult to respond to serious medical calls,” he explained. “Before you illegally burn, think about how it affects your neighbor.”
While the burn ban is applied in seven-day increments, commissioners have opted to extend it at the recommendation of public safety officials.
To report a violation of the burn ban, residents can call (941) 748-2071 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. On evenings and weekends, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line at (941) 747-3011, ext. 2260.
