North Central Florida has been hit by a number of wildfires. In Marion County, the Wildfire Task Force held a meeting Monday morning to discuss how to further prevent any new fires from sparking.
Marion County fire officials have decided to extend the mandatory burn ban for another seven days. They will present the extension before Marion County Commissioners Tuesday evening during a regularly scheduled meeting. By State law, a burn ban can only be implemented on a week-by-week basis.
With Fourth of July celebrations approaching, a subject of discussion during Monday's meeting was the prohibition of the use and sale of fireworks and sparklers while a burn ban is in effect. Public display of fireworks, such as those done by the Ocala Jaycees, are still approved, with strict guidelines based on their approved permits.