Brooksville Council Hears Countywide Burn Ban Update from Fire Chief Hasenmeier

Hernando County Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier briefed the Brooksville City Council at its March 2, 2026 regular session on the countywide burn ban that took effect January 8, 2026 and applies to all unincorporated areas of Hernando County and the City of Brooksville. The county release cited a Keetch-Byram Drought Index reading of 606 and rising on January 8, 2026 and said that value “places Hernando County ‘Very High’ in Fire Danger risk according to Florida Forest Service Forecast reports.”

The county notice lays out the scope and legal authority for the restriction, stating in full that “In accordance with Hernando County Code Chapter 12 Article VI, Hernando County is instituting an emergency temporary prohibition (Burn Ban) of all outdoor burning effective January 8th, 2026, for all unincorporated areas of Hernando County and the City of Brooksville.” The release warned that “Lack of recent rain and forecasts indicate below average rainfall is expected to continue making it highly favorable for brush fires to occur and rapidly spread.”

The county spelled out prohibited activities: “The county-wide Burn Ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service. Bon Fires, campfires, and burning of vegetation (yard) debris is not allowed.” The release also preserved household cooking as an exception, noting that “The burn ban does not pertain to cooking on attended and monitored barbecue equipment, so long as that equipment is a contained gas or charcoal grill.”

Permits and narrowly tailored exceptions remain possible through state oversight. The county release explains that “Exception to the burn ban may be granted by the Florida Forest Service after a request for such exception is submitted by the individual requesting authorization and an onsite inspection is made and is determined by the Florida Forest Service representative that such burning can be safely accomplished.”

The county emphasized safety and enforcement. Officials urged residents that “Be mindful that simply tossing a lit cigarette into the grass can easily ignite brush fires that can spread out of control rapidly putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses,” and closed the release with “We appreciate your cooperation to ensure the safety of the community and visitors.” To report violations, the release directs callers to the Hernando County Communications Center at 352-754-6830; Hernando County Government’s main line is 352-754-4000.

Brooksville’s March 2 council agenda and meeting video list Hasenmeier’s update among a multi-item docket that included “several proclamations,” though the supplied materials do not include proclamation texts or presenters. For council and meeting inquiries, the City of Brooksville posts list City Clerk Jennifer Battista at (352) 540-3816 or jbattista@cityofbrooksville.us. Earlier city website notices from 2025 retained on the city site include a collective bargaining negotiations meeting with the “Brookville Firefighters’ Local Union 4661” on April 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers at 201 Howell Ave., Brooksville, FL 34601, and public notices that two or more council members may attend events such as the County BOCC meeting at the County Courthouse, 20 North Main Street, Brooksville, Fl. 34601, on March 27, 2025 and community events March 29–April 5, 2025.

Hernando County’s release closes plainly: “The burn ban will continue to be in effect until further notice.”