Outdoor burn ban in effect for North Port

Published on February 13, 2025

In accordance with City Ordinance 26-28, the Fire Chief of the City of North Port has determined that an Extraordinary Fire Hazard now exists due to the extreme drought conditions and the threat of wildfire. Therefore, an Outdoor Burning Ban is enacted within the City limits effective immediately. This Ban will remain in place until rescinded.

Present conditions in the State and local region:

• The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) indicates that our area is 2.0 inches short of average rainfall for year-to-date 2025.
• That within the City of North Port the Drought Index that measures moisture in the vegetation is up to 586 on the Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) scale of 0-800.
• The Fire Index for the City of North Port area has been consistent between High and Very High on the Fire Danger Index (FDI).
• There is no precipitation of significance forecasted in the short term that would alleviate these conditions.

The citywide Outdoor Burn Ban prohibits all outdoor burning that the Florida Forest Service has not specifically permitted. Bonfires, campfires, and the burning of vegetative (yard) debris are not allowed at this time.

Outdoor cooking fires in approved grills, such as gas or charcoal BBQ grills, are permitted; however, extreme caution is urged with these devices as well. Fire pits/cooking pits are not permitted.

We encourage our citizens to inform each other of the ban to help prevent a fire. During this time of extreme drought, we caution all citizens to take precautions when parking cars in tall grass, carelessly tossing a lighted cigarette, or even hitting a rock or other object while using a lawnmower.