These Florida counties are banning fireworks for Fourth of July

• 4 Florida counties have burn bans in effect for the Fourth of July due to drought conditions.
• Burn bans in Florida? Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County.
• These bans prohibit open fires and the private use of fireworks, including sparklers.

UPDATE: Collier County lifted its burn ban on Wednesday, July 1.

The Fourth of July is fast approaching as America prepares to celebrate the country's historic 250th anniversary, and folks are preparing for weekend-long parties, cookouts, and explosive fun. But depending on where you live in Florida, you may have to leave your fireworks in the bag.

Recent rainfall has helped reduce the drought levels that have plagued the state all year, but as of July 1, four Florida counties remain under burn bans: Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County. That means no open fires of any type and nothing that casts sparks, including campfires, bonfires, yard debris or trash burning ... or fireworks.

Collier County lifted its own burn ban, in effect since January, on July 1. Officials still urge residents to be careful "to reduce the community's year-round wildfire risk."

July 4th barbecues are generally still allowed, under careful conditions (scroll down for county details).

Disappointing as it may be, there's a good reason for it.

As of June 28, raging wildfires have eaten up more than 203,000 acres of state and federal land. Firefighters have tackled more than 2.500 wildfires since Jan. 1. There are around 80 active fires still burning in the state as of the morning of July 1, with about 40 still not fully contained, including the 2,265-acre South Canal fire in Lafayette County and a 2,814-acre wildfire in Miami-Dade County. This is not the best time to set fire to things that shower sparks.

Will there be a statewide ban on fireworks in Florida? Are fireworks allowed?

No. While there was a concern about a ban last month, the recent rains have eased the drought problem, giving fire less fuel to burn. State and local officials still urge caution.

What are burn bans?

Burn bans are issued when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, a reference scale that estimates the dryness of the soil from 0 to 800, hits 500. It increases for each day without rain and goes back down when it rains. Burn bans are lifted once the KBDI drops below 500 for seven consecutive days.

The higher the number, the more favorable the conditions are for wildfires to ignite easily, burn intensely, spread rapidly, and be harder to put out.

Can I get arrested or fined for setting off fireworks under a burn ban in Florida?

That depends on the county and what happens when you fire them up. Violating a burn ban is a misdemeanor offense with penalties of up to a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail.

However, if a wildfire is tracked back to you, especially if there's damage to property or loss of life, you could be facing serious charges and thousands of dollars in fines.

Are fireworks allowed in Charlotte County, Florida?

Charlotte County's burn ban, enacted on April 28, is still in place as of July 3. No open burning unless it's authorized by the Florida Forest Service.

Can I grill? Outdoor grilling is still permitted when done safely using a contained grill placed on a non-flammable surface and kept clear of dry grass, brush, or other combustible materials. 

Are fireworks allowed? No private use or discharge of fireworks, sparklers, and similar incendiary devices is permitted.

Are fireworks allowed in Collier County, Florida?

Collier County has been under a burn ban since Jan. 16, but on July 1 the county lifted it following a review by the Collier County Emergency Management Department, Florida Forest Service, Collier County Fire Chiefs’ Association, and Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

Are fireworks allowed in DeSoto County, Florida?

DeSoto's burn ban has been in place since last November. No open burning unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service or used in industrial or commercial processes with a permit or in a controlled area.

• Can I grill? Above-ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills, and barrel-type barbecue smokers, are permitted.
• Are fireworks allowed? Fireworks, including sparklers and "trick noisemakers and novelties," are prohibited.

Are fireworks allowed in Manatee County, Florida?

Manatee County issued a burn ban last November that remains in effect as of July 3. Outdoor burning is prohibited apart from agricultural, silvicultural and land-clearing burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service as long as sufficient fire suppression equipment and personnel are on site.

• Can I grill? Outdoor grills and cookers are allowed if they are attended at all times by a responsible adult while in use. You may also use liquified petroleum gas devices such as grills, camp stoves, fire pits, or other devices that solely burn liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, butane, naphthalene, or other liquid fuel, again only with constant responsible adult supervision.
• Are fireworks allowed? Only properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site.

Are fireworks allowed in Sarasota County, Florida?

A burn ban is currently in effect for Sarasota County, as of July 3. It was enacted on April 19 and hasn't let up yet. All open fires of any type, including campfires, bonfires, yard and trash burning, are banned.

• Can I grill?
  • Barbecue grills or pits are allowed if the total fuel area does not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
  • Grilling with liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, butane, naphthalene, or other liquid fuel is allowed.
  • Open fires for the sole purpose of cooking food are allowed, provided the fire is contained in a grill, camping stove, or similar device and only burns clean wood, charcoal, commercially available fire starter logs or briquettes, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, or butane.
• Are fireworks allowed? Public and private fireworks displays are allowed if they are handled by licensed pyrotechnic contractors with the appropriate permit. No home fireworks.

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

(This story was updated to add new information.)