Dry weather prompts Manatee burn ban

On the verge of severe-drought conditions, Manatee County on Tuesday set a wide-ranging ban on outdoor burning through at least April 29.

According to the Florida Forestry Service, Manatee County’s conditions are conducive to wildfires, especially the eastern half of the county. The state as a whole is trending toward drier conditions overall from the previous week. Temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s are forecast for the next 10 days with little chance of rain.

Rainfall in 2025 has been below average in the region.

“Even the smallest spark can lead to devastating consequences under our current dry conditions,” said Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Matt Myers. “We urge all residents to comply fully with these restrictions to safeguard our community.”

According to a Manatee County release announcing the ban, the following is prohibited: “Use of any items containing any ‘explosive compound,’ sparklers, any item or product using or containing any amount of pyrotechnic composition, flares, open burning and campfires because of the increasingly dry conditions in the county.’’

The following uses will continue to be allowed:

• Outdoor cookers or grills if they are always attended by a responsible adult while the unit is in use;
• Any agricultural, silvicultural or land-clearing burn that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service and it has been determined that there will be sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel on site;
• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site;
• Flares discharged over gulf waters.

Sarasota County enacted a similar ban in March.