Bay Area first responders are asking the public to heed brush fire warnings after three brush fires broke out in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties. The dry, windy season is here in Tampa Bay. “Fires can burn quickly and really escalate fast,” said Pasco County Fire Rescue Chief Ryan Guynn. On Friday, Hillsborough County joined other Bay Area counties, except for Hernando, in issuing an emergency burn ban. It prohibits outdoor burning, fireworks and sparklers. Supervised outdoor grilling is still allowed. “It does not take much to start a fire, so be careful with any outdoor cooking,” said Withlacoochee Forestry Center Manager Keith Mousel. “If you’re cooking on a grill, please don’t take your hot coals and take them out to the woodline.”
