Overview
- State leaders confirmed Tuesday that there will be no statewide fireworks ban for the 250th Independence Day but urged residents to be cautious when using fireworks.
- The Florida Forest Service reports 2,440 fires have burned about 176,000 acres since Jan. 1 and the number of active wildfires fell from about 114 in April to roughly a dozen in late June.
- Ten counties currently have burn bans in place and Manatee County this week imposed a countywide ban that restricts sparklers, open burning, flares, and other pyrotechnic items.
- Officials warned that people who violate burn bans or cause fires can face prosecution and urged simple safety steps such as keeping a water source nearby and closely supervising children with sparklers.
- Residents should check local rules before planning private displays because fire danger varies by county and permitted public fireworks shows remain the safer option for holiday celebrations.