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Hernando fire chief urges continued burn ban as brush and house fires rise
Summary
Fire Chief Paul Haselmeyer reported recent large brush fires and recommended keeping the county burn ban in effect while conditions remain dry; commissioners commended crews and discussed prevention and public education.
Hernando County Fire Chief Paul Haselmeyer told the commission on Feb. 24 that dry conditions and an increase in brush and residential fires make it prudent to keep the county burn ban in effect.
"The recommendation is to keep the burn ban in place for the foreseeable future," Haselmeyer said, citing a series of brush fires the department responded to in Spring Hill that burned tens of acres and multiple residential fires caused by a variety of human factors.
Why it matters: The county has seen several large brush fires and multiple residential incidents in recent weeks, stretching emergency responders. Chief Haselmeyer and commissioners emphasized fire prevention and public education — particularly avoiding mowing or other spark‑producing activities during red‑flag conditions and the dangers of lithium‑ion battery fires.
Chief Haselmeyer described recent incidents, including a roughly 60‑acre brush fire in a dry lake bed near Spring Hill and other multi‑acre fires. Commissioners praised fire crews for aggressive response and urged continued outreach and caution for residents.
Next steps: Chief Haselmeyer said he will provide another update in two weeks and the board agreed to keep the burn ban in effect until conditions improve and the department recommends lifting it.
