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Collier County lifts burn ban after recent rains; vote 4‑1 with one commissioner opposed
Summary
After recent rainfall and unanimous concurrence from fire chiefs and forestry, Collier County commissioners lifted the local burn ban. The board voted 4‑1; Commissioner McDaniel recorded the lone dissent.
Collier County commissioners voted to lift the countywide outdoor burn ban after staff and the county's fire chiefs reported recent rainfall had reduced wildfire spread risk.
County Manager Patterson told the board the county had consulted state forestry officials and local fire chiefs, who advised lifting the ban. "They have communicated back that they're in agreement that the ban can be lifted," Patterson said.
Commissioners debated the timing. Some members said they remained cautious because groundwater and subsurface dryness remain below normal, but the fire chiefs said the current drought index has eased and additional rain is forecast. "We're just comfortable that [fires] won't spread as rapid," one fire chief told the board.
The board voted to lift the ban. The motion passed on a 4‑1 vote; Commissioner McDaniel voted no.
County staff said a formal resolution would be executed to lift the ban and that the change would be communicated to the public through normal channels.
