NewsYourobserverJune 23, 2026Manatee
Manatee County Enacts Burn Ban Due to Dry Conditions
Manatee County officials have issued an immediate, indefinite burn ban due to significantly low rainfall and high fire risk. The order restricts most open burning and pyrotechnic activities, though specific exceptions remain for attended grills and authorized agricultural burns.
Read the full story at YourobserverWhy It Matters
Residents and businesses in Manatee County are prohibited from open burning and using most pyrotechnic devices until further notice to prevent wildfires during a period of drought.
Key Facts
- Manatee County has enacted an immediate burn ban until further notice.
- The ban prohibits explosive compounds, sparklers, pyrotechnic compositions, flares, open burning, and campfires.
- Outdoor grills and cookers are permitted if attended by a responsible adult at all times.
- Liquefied petroleum gas devices (grills, stoves, fire pits) are permitted if attended by a responsible adult at all times.
- Agricultural and land-clearing burns are permitted only if authorized by the Florida Forest Service with fire suppression equipment and personnel on-site.
- Public fireworks displays are permitted if they have adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on-site.
- Rainfall at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is approximately 8 inches behind the 2025 total.
- Only 0.1 inches of rain has been recorded at the airport in June.
Who's Mentioned
personMatt Myers“Emergency Management Chief for Manatee County.”organizationFlorida Forest Service“The agency responsible for authorizing agricultural and land-clearing burns.”locationSarasota-Bradenton International Airport“The location used for tracking local rainfall data.”locationManatee County“The local government jurisdiction enacting the burn ban.”