Despite a ban on outdoor burning that has been in effect since Jan 9th, Last week 35 illigal burns were reported in citrus county. Each of these had the potential to spread into a larger blaze that could threaten property and lives. The burn ban includes a ban on any outdoor fire escept for BBQ cooking fires in BBQ appliances intended to contain the cooking fire. Violations can lead to fines of up to $500 and 60 days in jail. Firefighters have been called out to contain more than 75 brush fires. With dry conditions expected to continue, and the potential for wildfires that can destroy property and threaten lives remaining high residents need to heed the warning of the fire officials and resist the temptation to burn trash or a pile of leaves. Take them to the landfill or compost it... Please don't burn them and creat a threat to yourself and your neighbors.