As dry conditions continue to intensify across the state, local fire officials are warning residents to exercise extreme caution to prevent wildfires. In response to serious concerns about wildfire risks brought on by the ongoing drought conditions, multiple counties have now enacted burn bans to reduce the threat. Hillsborough County is the latest to tighten its restrictions. Officials issued an emergency burn ban advisory on Friday, adding to the county's existing year-round outdoor burn regulations. Under the newly declared local state of emergency, all unauthorized outdoor burning — including fireworks, sparklers and any fires not previously permitted — is strictly prohibited. In total, nearly 20 counties across the state have implemented burn bans, including Citrus, Pasco, Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.