Little Gasparilla Island Fire Rescue

07/28/2026

Charlotte County Burn Ban Status
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Charlotte County Burn Ban Rescinded

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (July 28, 2026) – The Charlotte County Commission has voted to rescind the countywide burn ban previously reenacted on April 28, 2026.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS recommended lifting the ban after reviewing local and regional fire weather data, fuel conditions, and in consultation with the Florida Forest Service.

"This decision was made after evaluating local conditions and consulting with the Florida Forest Service," said Charlotte County Fire & EMS Chief Matthew McElroy. "The recent rainfall has improved conditions enough for us to recommend lifting the burn ban, but that doesn't eliminate the risk of wildfire. We ask residents to burn responsibly, follow Florida's open burning regulations, monitor weather conditions, and always have a way to quickly extinguish a fire if conditions change."

Residents may now resume certain outdoor burning activities in accordance with Florida law and local regulations. While the county burn ban has been lifted, all outdoor burning remains subject to Florida Forest Service regulations.

Under Florida law, residents may burn vegetative debris generated on their own property, provided the burn pile is no larger than 8 feet in diameter, burning takes place only during daylight hours, and the fire is attended at all times until it is completely extinguished. Burning household garbage, construction debris, treated wood, or other prohibited materials remains illegal. Agricultural and silvicultural burns continue to require authorization and are regulated by the Florida Forest Service.

Although the burn ban has been lifted, Charlotte County Fire & EMS encourages residents to continue practicing fire safety and remain cautious when burning, especially during dry or windy conditions.

Outdoor Burning Safety Tips

Never leave a fire unattended.
Keep a water source, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby.
Avoid burning on windy days, as embers can travel and ignite nearby vegetation.
Clear a safe area around the fire free of dry grass, leaves, and other combustible materials.
Fully extinguish fires before leaving the area.
If a fire escapes your control, call 911 immediately.
For more information, contact Ashley Turner at 941-833-5610 or [email protected].

07/06/2026

Some residents may have seen a yellow sign in the station yard or received a notice in the mail about a Special Use Exemption hearing being held in Charlotte County on July 8th at 9AM.

LGIFR has applied for a Special Use Exemption to continue operating the department from a residential property (the only option on the island). Our application does include a proposed site plan showing a new, additional structure on the department’s property. While we are currently discussing ideas to improve our facilities, this portion of the application is for illustrative purposes only, as required for the application, and the zoning request and hearing have nothing to do with any future structures.

Per the staff report we received back from the county, their staff’s professional opinion is that the proposed Special Exception to allow an emergency services facility for Little Gasparilla Island Fire & Rescue does meet the three criteria for granting a Special Exception.

Complete application and county staff report attached in the link below.

07/03/2026

Charlotte County Burn Ban Status

06/29/2026

The drought isn't over, and neither is the burn ban, which means private fireworks and sparklers are prohibited in Charlotte County this July 4.

⚠️In case you still want to chance shooting off your own fireworks, you should know that the State AG's office has warned that reckless fire-related actions will be prosecuted.

Burn ban remains in effect as of June 29, 2026. Outdoor open burning is prohibited, including the use and discharge of fireworks and sparklers, due to ongoing drought conditions and increased fire risk.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (April 28, 2026) – The Charlotte County Commission has reinstated a countywide burn ban effective immediately due to ongoing drought conditions, elevated fire risk, and the potential for extreme fire behavior throughout Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.

The burn ban was recommended by Charlotte County Fire & EMS Fire Chief Matthew McElroy advising that current conditions create a significant risk to public safety. As the Keetch-Byram Drought Index remains elevated, dry vegetation and windy weather patterns mean fires can ignite easily, burn more intensely, and spread rapidly. These conditions also place added strain on emergency response resources while increasing the risk to life, health, and property.

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor open burning, including:

Yard waste burning
Recreational fires and bonfires
Pile burning for land clearing
Private use and discharge of fireworks, sparklers, and similar incendiary devices
Burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service are exempt. Commercial or permitted fireworks displays may be considered on a case-by-case basis with approval from the county fire marshal.

“Current conditions have created an environment where a small spark can quickly become a dangerous wildfire,” said Chief McElroy. “This temporary burn ban is a proactive step to protect our community, first responders, and natural resources.”

Outdoor grilling is still permitted when done safely using a contained grill placed on a non-flammable surface and kept clear of dry grass, brush, or other combustible materials. Residents are encouraged to use caution with any activity that could create sparks or open flames.

Residents are also urged to remain cautious during these dry conditions and take the following steps to reduce wildfire risk:

Create defensible space around your home or business.
Clear trash and dead vegetation from your yard.
Remove leaves and debris from roofs, gutters, and under decks.
Have an emergency plan and kit ready in case you need to evacuate quickly, especially if your home is near wildlands.
Use extreme caution when grilling or discarding ci******es.
Avoid using equipment such as lawn mowers or tools that may create sparks on dry or windy days.
If you feel you are in immediate danger due to fire conditions, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency concerns, contact Charlotte County Non-Emergency line at 941-639-2101.

The burn ban will remain in effect until the Charlotte County Commission votes to lift it.

For more information, contact Ashley Turner at 941-833-5610 or [email protected].

06/22/2026

Burn ban remains in place!

05/22/2026

We are still under a burn ban! This goes for everyone there are no special people that are exempt. Charlotte County’s website as well as the Florida Forest service update daily. There are no excuses that you did not know!

04/21/2026

12/11/2025