MARCO ISLAND — Collier County Commissioners placed a temporary ban Tuesday on all camp fires, bon fires, trash burning, fireworks and sparklers, as Southwest Florida faces the driest six months in more than 75 years.
Marco Island Fire Rescue Chief Mike Murphy said he supports the action and while Marco already bans such activities within city limits unless a permit is obtained, he said people should be aware of the conditions when traveling throughout the county.
“With the extremely dry conditions, all residents, in all areas, need to be extremely cognizant of things such as throwing a cigarette out the window, throwing a match to the side or even when pulling off to the side of the road,” Murphy said.
An exhaust pipe could catch tall, dry grass on fire and as the driver pulls off, a fire is ignited.
Murphy recommended that if a bon fire or camp fire is seen, such as those he’s witnessed the remnants of while at Cape Romano, then the fire department should be called to advise those who started the fire of the dangers. Marco Island Fire Rescue Department may be contacted at 389-5040.
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