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Forest Service says calls regarding burn bans should go to counties

 
Published April 14, 2017

The Florida Forest Service is seeking to clarify information about burning bans that have been put in place.

Residents should contact their individual counties with questions about the burn bans, the Forest Service said.

With burn bans in place in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties, residents are prohibited from igniting any fire in which the flames and heat aren't contained, the Forest Service said.

The service said it has been receiving calls from residents in those counties asking for permits for campfires and bonfires, activities for which the service doesn't provide permits. The Forest Service only issues burn permits for agricultural, silvicultural, residential and non-residential land clearing, as well as prescribed burning.

Under normal weather conditions, residents could build campfires and bonfires at will. But under the burn bans, residents are prohibited, by county order, from those activities until the ban is lifted. Residents are still permitted to use devices that contain the flame and heat, like a barbecue grill.