Manatee County sets burn ban as dry conditions persist

With rainfall about 8 inches behind 2025’s total and barely a drop a two at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport this month, Manatee County has enacted a burn ban until further notice.

The immediate order addresses any item containing an explosive compound, sparklers, products using or containing pyrotechnic composition, flares, open burning and campfires, Manatee County Emergency Management officials said.

The following activities will continue to be allowed under the burn ban:

• Outdoor cookers or grills, provided they are attended at all times by a responsible adult while in use

• Liquefied petroleum gas devices such as grills, camp stoves, fire pits or other devices that solely burn liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, butane, naphthalene or other liquid fuel, provided they are attended by a responsible adult at all times

• Agricultural and land-clearing burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service when sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel are on site

• Permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site

• Flares discharged over the Gulf

All previously permitted public fireworks displays will continue as scheduled and remain subject to existing fire safety requirements.

"It only takes one spark to start a fire under these conditions," said Emergency Management Chief Matt Myers. "We encourage everyone to avoid activities that could unintentionally ignite a fire and to follow the burn ban until conditions improve."

Since Jan. 1, 12.30 inches have fallen at SRQ, compared to more than 20 by this date in 2025. To date in June, .1 of an inch has fallen at the airport, though chances for rainfall are on the increase throughout this week.