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Board adopts updated fire prevention ordinance, gives staff faster burn-ban authority
Summary
Commissioners approved a rewrite of Chapter 12 of the county code to clean up language and align with NFPA and Florida codes; the update allows the fire chief and county administrator to act more quickly on burn bans when conditions require it and brings Hernando into alignment with other Florida counties.
Hernando County commissioners adopted amendments to Chapter 12 of the Hernando County Code on fire prevention and protection that update outdated language, reference the National Fire Protection Association standards and the Florida Building Code, and provide a faster administrative path for burn bans.
Fire Chief Paul Hecsemeyer described the rewrite as language cleanup and said the changes include aligning county code to current Florida Building Code and NFPA standards and clarifying authorities. A central practical change highlighted in the hearing is a process that enables the fire chief to recommend a burn ban to the county administrator so the county can act quickly when wildland fire risk is high, rather than waiting for the next board meeting for action. The board and staff discussed safeguards: any administrative burn ban could later be reviewed, amended or rescinded by the board at its next meeting.
Why this matters: Commissioners said the revision will let the county respond more quickly during dry, windy conditions that elevate wildfire risk. Several commissioners described the 2022–23 dry season when neighboring counties or the Forest Service enacted restrictions before Hernando could do so by waiting for a scheduled board meeting.
Board vote and scope: Commissioner Ansler moved to adopt the ordinance as presented; Commissioners Laco and others seconded; the clerk recorded a roll-call vote (Commissioners Ansler, Alaco, Campbell and Chairman Hawkins voted “Aye”) and the motion carried. The ordinance makes the county’s code consistent with statewide practice and gives the fire chief and administrator a defined administrative path to act when a rapid burn ban recommendation is warranted.
Implementation: The county said the change does not remove board oversight. Administrative action to impose a burn ban is to be followed by board review at the next available meeting; the transcript shows commissioners expect to reserve the ability to overturn or amend an administrative ban. Staff also reported the updated ordinance is expected to reduce delays in imposing restrictions when neighboring jurisdictions have already restricted outdoor burning or when the Florida Forest Service issues regional warnings.
