Collier County implements burn ban to reduce chance of wildfires in drought
Collier County has implemented a burn ban.
County commissioners authorized the ban Tuesday, which became effective immediately. It applies in all unincorporated areas, outside of city limits.
Open burning is prohibited, including outdoor campfires, and burning of trash or yard waste.
The decision came after conversations between the Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services, Florida Forest Service, Collier County Fire Chiefs’ Association, Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the National Weather Service.
The group identified a need for a burning ban, due to the ongoing drought, to reduce the chance of wildfires.
Within hours of the ban's adoption, the Collier County Sheriff's Office shared on Facebook that it was assisting fire and forestry crews with a brush fire in rural Golden Gate Estates, burning between 20th Avenue Southeast and 28th Avenue Southeast, west of Everglades Boulevard. No structures were threatened and no roads were closed, with the fire described as contained.
More: Track wildfires
The order excludes all commercial agricultural burning, and lawful, controlled industrial or commercial burning that is part of the manufacturing or assembly process, and burning activities regulated by the Florida Forest Service.
While the ban does not prevent the sale of fireworks, they can't be used while it remains in effect. State law also limits fireworks to three days a year: July 4, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Outdoor grills, stoves, cookers and smokers can still be used to prepare food.
Fines for violating the order can be up to $15,000, if irreparable or irreversible damage is caused by what is now considered illegal burning.
The ban will remain in effect until further notice.
For more information, call 311 or (239) 252-8999.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Burn ban implemented in Collier County, effective immediately
