Charlotte County implements burn ban amid drought, fire danger

PUNTA GORDA — Charlotte County commissioners passed an emergency ordinance on Tuesday banning outdoor burning (including yard waste and recreational fires) and the private use and discharge of fireworks and sparklers. This prohibition does not affect attended barbecue/cooking equipment or burn permits issued by the Florida Forest Service.

Charlotte County is experiencing a severe drought and the county’s Fire Danger Index rating has reached four out of five on multiple days in recent weeks. The ban will remain in effect until the threat of wildfires no longer exists and the board terminates the state of local emergency.