April 11, 2017

SFWMD Issues Temporary Burn Ban on Public Lands
Prohibition on open fires on District land comes after Governor declares state of emergency statewide for wildfires  
West Palm Beach, FL - Due to the increased danger of wildfires caused by extraordinarily dry conditions, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) today issued a temporary ban on all open fires and campfires on District lands. The ban includes lands open for recreational purposes in Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, Osceola and Polk counties.  Additionally, SFWMD's  prohibitions could be expanded to other locations throughout the District if drought conditions continue.

The ban follows Gov. Rick Scott's declaration of a state of emergency across Florida due to recent wildlife and the high potential for more fires. The temporary ban means no building of fires in grills, fireplaces or fire rings on SFWMD-owned public lands in these counties until further notice. The use of portable camp stoves or charcoal grills provided by users and grills provided by the District or partnering agencies on District lands is allowed for cooking purposes only. 

"These wildfires, that led to the Governor's action today, pose a serious threat to the safety of all Floridians," said SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Dan O'Keefe. "This ban is a necessary action to prevent additional wildfires from starting and spreading."

Please visit SFWMD's website at www.sfwmd.gov  for updates or changes related to the temporary burn ban on District lands.
Media Contact: 
Randy Smith  |   rrsmith@sfwmd.gov    |  Office: 561-682-2800  |  Cell: 561-389-3386
The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. Our mission is to protect South Florida's water resources by balancing and improving flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems.


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