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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Officials have issued a burn ban in Hernando County effective April 27.
Burn bans prohibit all outdoor burning, including bonfires, campfires and burning of yard debris.
You can still use outdoor BBQ equipment as long as you continue to monitor it and the heat source is contained.
The county warns residents that even tossing a lit cigarette into the grass can start brush fires that can quickly spread out of control.
Officials cite a lack of precipitation and higher temperatures as the reason for the ban, and say Hernando County is currently at a "very high" fire risk, according to the Florida Forest Service.
The ban will be in effect until further notice.