Manatee County officials announce burn ban due to drought conditions. What to know

Manatee County officials have enacted a burn ban amid ongoing drought conditions in the Bradenton area.

In an emergency meeting Monday morning, the Manatee County Commission voted to ban outdoor burning, which includes fireworks, sparklers and campfires.

The burn ban comes after talks with the Fire Chief’s Association and the Department of Forestry.

According to a news release, the ban includes any item that contains an “explosive compound.” County officials say certain uses are still allowed:

  • Outdoor grilling by a “responsible adult”

  • Any land-clearing that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service

  • Permitted fireworks displays

  • Flares discharged over the Gulf of Mexico

The burn ban will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 10, unless county officials decide to extend it.