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Hernando Commission Passes ‘Burn Ban’

Matches | Fire | Burn Ban

Open burning, campfires, fireworks, burning of yard waste, and bonfires are prohibited under the ban, which will remain effective until May 23.

HERNANDO COUNTY – Responding to a weekend wildfire and continued drought conditions, Hernando commissioners passed a countywide “burn ban” today (April 11).

The burn ban will remain in effect through May 23. It will be re-assessed every seven days and could be lifted early if conditions improve.

The ban prohibits Hernando residents from open burning, starting campfires or bonfires, setting off fireworks. and burning trash, refuse or other debris. It is always illegal to burn household garbage including paper products, treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticide, paint and aerosol containers.

“This burn ban is being put in place to protect the safety of our residents during these very dry condition,” Chairman Wayne Dukes said.. “Considering Gov. Scott’s current state of emergency due to the increase of wildfires across the state, this is the right thing to do for Hernando County.”

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, designed to measure forest fire potential, ranges from 0 (very moist) to 800 (very dry). As of Monday (April 10), the current KBDI average drought index for Hernando County was 518. About 66 percent of Hernando County falls within this range.

Burn Ban Logo | Hernando County | WildfireIn a recent meeting with the local division of the Florida Forest Service and community stakeholders, it was announced that 2017 would be a higher than average year for brush fires. Since January, Hernando County Fire Rescue has responded to 34 brush fires, which have burned nearly 1,200 acres.

Burn bans are put in place to eliminate the chance of unintentional negligence minimizing the potential of an escaping fire. Go to active wildfires for more information about current fires.

Residents may use any of these locations to dispose of trash:

Northwest Waste Management Facility – Landfill (closed on Sundays and holidays)
14450 Landfill Road
Brooksville
(352) 754-4112
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday

East Hernando Convenience Center (closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays)
33070 Cortez Blvd.
Ridge Manor
(352) 754-4112
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday

West Hernando Convenient Center (closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays)
2525 Osowaw Blvd.
Spring Hill
(352) 754-4112
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday

For information about the Hernando commission, go to co.hernando.fl.us.

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