The recreational burn ban issued by Venice Fire Rescue, which prohibited unpermitted open burns within the City of Venice, has been lifted as of Sunday, July 12.

The ban was lifted as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) fell below 500 for seven consecutive days, reducing the wildfire threat in Sarasota County. This action mirrors the lift of the countywide burn ban on the same date by the Sarasota County Fire Department.

However, officials continue to urge extreme caution as the area continues to experience drought conditions, and a burn ban could be reinstated in the coming weeks due to deficient levels of rain in the forecast.

Initially enacted in the City in April, the ban automatically took effect when the KBDI for Sarasota County reached 500.

Venice Fire will continue to monitor conditions. Residents are reminded to take precautions to protect themselves from fire danger and follow local open burning ordinance rules and regulations as outlined by City ordinance.