Burn bans in effect for Sarasota County and City of Venice

Sarasota County under burn ban for New Year's Eve

FOX FOX 13's Kim Kuizon reports on a burn ban that is under effect for Sarasota County and the City of Venice ahead of New Years Eve.

SARASOTA, Fla. - Fire risks remain high due to abnormal amounts of hurricane-related storm debris still on the ground in some areas of the Bay Area.

You can hear the crunch under the feet of Forest Ranger Logan Hatch.

High amounts of vegetation left from the hurricanes in Sarasota County.

It’s just one sign that a fire risk remains in Sarasota County.

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"Back-to-back hurricanes have provided a lot more vegetation that will burn in the coming year," Hatch said.

Areas with hurricane damage are spots where the Myakka River District of the Florida Forest Service will be watching.

"We will run into more trees that have grass over them, (and) we won’t actually see them until it actually starts burning," said Hatch. "It’s heavy (and) thick. We are really dry; we really haven’t had any significant rain lately."

The drought index is right at 506 for Sarasota County.

Florida Forest Service crews being staged.

Both Sarasota County and the City of Venice have issued burn bans.

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"We did have a little bit of rain yesterday, kind of across the district, but the reports have come in that it’s sporadic," said Hatch.

That’s why all outdoor burning in the county is prohibited unless you have a permit.

"When you’re done with the fire, you’ve got to put it out. Put it out properly. Bring a shovel, bring some dirt and some water," said Hatch. "You want to drown, stir, and then use the back of your hand to feel the heat. If you feel any heat, do the process again."

The Florida Forest Service said homeowners can protect themselves by ensuring vegetation is kept off roofs and fences and by cleaning gutters.

Florida Department of Agriculture.

"Defensible space is important to trim and keep bushes or any vegetation low. The smaller the vegetation, if it does burn, it will burn a lot less intensely," said Hatch.

Forest rangers will be watching for any sign of a spark.

"As those humidity levels go down, it just means those fuels, small fuels, can burn a lot quicker and start the bigger ones on fire," Hatch said.

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