Burn ban in effect in Hardee County after brush fire Wednesday

HARDEE COUNTY, Fla. — A burning ban will be in effect in Hardee County after a brush fire Wednesday.

Beginning Thursday, May 30, a burn ban will be in effect in all areas of Hardee County as well as the municipalities of Wauchula, Bowling Green and Zolfo Springs, Hardee County Fire officials said.

The ban prohibits open fires and the use of fireworks. HCFR wrote on social media that the burning ban includes, but is not limited to, any outdoor burning of yard waste, vegetation, grass, lumber, trees, produce household paper and debris.

All bonfires, campfires, warming fires, fires in outdoor fireplaces, outdoor pyrotechnic displays and open cooking fires are also prohibited, the social media post said.

HCFR said only burning permits authorized by the Division of Forestry are permitted.

For more information, contact the Hardee County Fire Department at 863-773-4362.

To report burn ban violations, call the Hardee County Sheriff's Office at 863-773-4144.