Florida Counties Ban Fireworks Due to Wildfire Risk

Drought conditions and rampant wildfires have forced 29 Florida counties to ban open fires. And for 22 of those counties, the ban covers fireworks.

The Florida Division of Forestry said that more than 440 active wildfires were roaring across the state. Two forest rangers were killed fighting one of the fires at the Georgia border Monday.

Heat and lack of rain have contributed to one of the worst years for wildfires in recent history in Florida.

Alachua, Marlon, Polk, Volusia, Brevard and Osceola are among the counties where local governments have included fireworks in their burn bans.

The forestry division says that through Tuesday, 3,800 wildfires had consumed nearly 400 square miles in Florida.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Florida Wildfire