HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — If you were planning a backyard bonfire this weekend, you’ll need to make other plans. Hillsborough County officials announced on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, that the emergency ban on open burning is staying in place for at least another week.
The reason is simple: it is just too dry.
Since the new year began, Florida has already seen 188 fires across the state. These fires have scorched more than 2,600 acres of land. Because the rain has stayed away, the danger of wildfires spreading quickly is very high right now. To keep families and homes safe, County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an Executive Order to keep the ban active…