OKEECHOBEE -- Okeechobee County Public Safety Director/Fire Chief, Earl Wooten announced June 6 that a county wide burn ban will take effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. The implementation of this ban is at the recommendation of the Florida Forest Service.

In response to the dry conditions, Okeechobee County is imposing a county-wide burn ban which prohibits the burning of yard trash and other types of fires such as campfires, bonfires, and burn barrels. The use of fireworks is also prohibited unless permitted by the Public Safety Director/Fire Chief.

Residential outdoor cooking in a suitable piece of equipment designed to contain the fire, flame, and heat it generates is allowed. Burning permitted by The Florida Forest Service is exempt from this ban.

"Due to the recent dry conditions, we are experiencing an increased fire risk," said Okeechobee County Public Safety Director/Fire Chief Earl Wooten. "This burn ban is essential to help prevent wildfires and protect our community. We urge all residents to be vigilant and follow these restrictions."

Violation of the burn ban is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a term not exceeding 60 days, or both fine and imprisonment.

For more information, please contact Okeechobee County Fire Rescue at 863-763-5544 from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday

According to the Florida Forest Service, escaped debris burning is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Florida.

Other counties under a burn ban as of June 6 include Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Osceola, Paso, Polk, Sarasota and Seminole counties.