Citrus County Lifts Burn Ban After Two Months

Citrus County residents can resume burning yard waste following the Board of County Commissioners' decision to rescind the countywide burn ban.

Fire Chief Craig Stevens recommended lifting the ban after recent rainfall lowered drought indicators and improved vegetation moisture levels. The Florida Forest Service agreed with the assessment.

The county enacted the ban April 1 when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index reached 500, triggering an automatic prohibition under Chapter 46 of the Citrus County Code of Ordinances. Commissioners declared a drought emergency April 14 and maintained the ban due to elevated fire danger, low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation.

Residents may burn natural yard waste without a permit but must follow state law and Florida Forest Service requirements. Burn piles cannot exceed 8 feet in diameter and must sit at least 25 feet from homes, forests and combustible structures, 50 feet from paved public roads and 150 feet from occupied buildings.

Someone must attend the fire at all times with a charged water hose, shovel or other suppression equipment on hand. Burning is prohibited during windy conditions, Red Flag Warnings or immediately after storms.

Only natural materials such as leaves, grass clippings, brush and tree limbs under 8 inches in diameter may be burned. State law prohibits burning garbage, construction materials, plastics and treated wood.

Residents with questions can contact Citrus County Fire Rescue Headquarters at 352-527-5406 or the Florida Forest Service Withlacoochee Forestry Center at 352-797-4100.