Residents are reminded of the county’s open burning prohibitions; advised to follow simple safety steps when visiting parks and preserves.

• Residents advised to monitor the current dry weather conditions
• County has prohibitions regarding open burning that have remained active since 1975
• Parks and preserves visitors asked to take precautions during current conditions

Pinellas County is making residents aware of increased fire risks during current dry weather conditions statewide. County staff is monitoring the current conditions and encouraging residents to stay informed.

In continuing efforts to ensure public safety and practice superior environmental stewardship, Pinellas County has had prohibitions in place regarding open burning for many years. Exceptions to the prohibition require permits. Permit requests are reviewed based on current weather conditions and state advisories. To learn more about existing open burning prohibitions, visit www.pinellascounty.org/wildfires.

Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources is reminding visitors of parks and preserves to follow simple safety tips and review rules for the county-owned parks while using the various picnic shelters, campgrounds, playgrounds, boat ramps and trails throughout the county:

• Restrict vehicles to paved roadways and parking lots. Hot engines and exhaust pipes could start fire in tall grass.
• Fully extinguish smoking products (cigarettes and cigars) and only discard in approved fire safe containers.
• Only use park-supplied grills at county picnic shelters. Only use charcoal briquettes or propane in personal grills at campsites. Do not place hot coals on the ground or in trash cans and fully extinguish coals before leaving.
• Do not start open fires. Restrict fires to campfire rings or other approved structures.
• Do not burn trash wood or combustible materials.
• No fireworks, sparklers and other incendiary devices are allowed in parks or preserves.
• Pay attention to weather conditions as high winds could spread embers and ignite dry vegetation.
• Report suspicious activity immediately.

Call the Parks and Conservation Resources department at (727) 582-2100 with questions about any of these fire safety tips. Residents can view additional wildfire prevention tips at www.pinellascounty.org/wildfires.