Dry weather and little rain have caused Citrus County to establish a burn ban until further notice.

Citrus County Fire Services Chief Larry Morabito said today that he had received a letter last Thursday from the Division of Forestry, which had recommended the county establish a ban.

Morabito said we had periods of decent rain, but not lately and, as County Commissioner Dennis Damato said, "the soil is just powder dry.

Forestry Division's spokesperson Don Ruths wrote in his letter that "the wildfire risk across our five counties is now at a “very high” threat level." That includes Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Hernado and Pasco Counties.

The letter added, "The weather outlook or the next week does offer any confidence that conditions will improve and we may see more short term red flag conditions.

“It is crucial that people are aware of the personal liability for suppression cost, and fines, should they be cited for conducting an outdoor burn that escapes their control” said Chuck Schneider, Operations Administrator of the Withlacoochee Forestry Center.