NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Pasco County is under an Emergency Burn Ban for all areas of the county.
The county is experiencing extremely dry conditions due to a prolonged lack of rainfall, resulting in an increased risk of brush fires. The mandatory burn ban is effective immediately and will not expire until conditions improve.
Everyone living in unincorporated areas of Pasco County is prohibited from setting fires or causing fires, including:
- Open burning
- Campfires/bonfires
- Burning yard waste/garbage
Residents are being reminded that simple actions, like tossing a lit cigarette into the grass, can easily ignite brush fires that can quickly spread out of control, putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses.
Outdoor cooking in grills or smokers that can contain the fire, flame and heat is acceptable. Pasco Fire Rescue encourages you to make sure the coals in your grill are extinguished when you’re done cooking.
Any resident planning to conduct an open burn must comply with all Florida Forest Service permitting requirements.
The permit process ensures any potential risk is appropriately assessed and mitigated.
Officials will notify the community when conditions are safe enough to resume opening burning.
To report a Burn Ban violation, please call our Pasco County Emergency Communications Center at (727) 847-8102.
