FLORIDA — Several Central Florida counties are now under burn bans as dry conditions and high heat could spark dangerous wildfires.
Burn bans are activated when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, or KBDI, reaches or exceeds 500 and no measurable rainfall is forecast soon.
A burn ban will automatically lift after the drought index falls below 500 for seven consecutive days.
Brevard County
Burn ban in effect since May 8
Due to ongoing dry weather conditions, Brevard County is favorable to the risk of wildfires. The county has implemented a ban on open burning, such as bonfires, campfires, trash burning and other incineration, throughout the county.
The burn ban does not include state-permitted burns, the use of barbecue grills, authorized public fireworks displays and fireworks sales, which are authorized by state law.
Read more on Florida burn laws and ordinances.
Polk County
Burn ban in effect since May 28
Polk County has issued a burn ban throughout the county due to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index averaging over 507.
The burn ban prohibits campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning yard and household trash, burning construction debris, burning organic debris, igniting fireworks, and noncommercial burning of materials other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, in which case they must be contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
The burn ban applies to all unincorporated Polk and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven.
Seminole County
Burn ban lifted on June 13 (Went in effect on May 28)
Seminole County officials lifted the burn ban due to rainfall lowering the drough index. Officials remind resident to stay mindful of the laws when burning outdoors as dry conditions remain.
Burn ban rules when in place:All outdoor burning that has not been permitted by the Florida Forest Service — including bonfires, campfires and yard debris — is prohibited throughout the county.Above-ground charcoal, gas, barrel-style barbecue smokers and electric grills are permitted, but officials urge you to ensure the charcoal is extinguished after you finish cooking your food.
Burn ban violators can be fined up to $500 or jailed for no more than 60 days.
In Seminole, the burn ban remains in effect until the drought index dips below 500 for seven consecutive days or until further notice.
Osceola County
Burn ban in effect since May 29
A ban on open fire pits, campfires, and yard debris is in effect within the unincorporated areas. Osceola County Fire Rescue will continue to monitor conditions to determine when the burn ban will be lifted there.
Orange County
Burn ban in effect since May 31
A burn ban is currently in effect for unincorporated areas of Orange County and any municipalities that Orange County Fire Rescue services, including Edgewood, Belle Isle, Oakland, and Eatonville.
The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted. Outdoor burning authorized by the Florida Forest Service is not affected by this ban.
Flagler County
Burn ban in effect since June 5
Flagler County enacted a burn ban effective 5 p.m. June 5 and declared a state of local emergency to do so. The county has extended the burn ban for another seven days.
The burn ban prohibits the following:
Discharge/use of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other items containing any “explosive compound”
Open burning, including the use of fire pits and containers
Outdoor cookers and grills unless attended by an adult at all times
Throwing matches, cigarettes, or other burning materials from vehicles
Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
Volusia County
Burn ban lifted on June 24 (Went into effect on June 6)
Effective immediately, Volusia County has lifted the countywide burn ban that was instituted on June 6. Residents can now resume burning activities that comply with local regulations and Florida Forest Service guidelines.
The previous countywide burn ban prohibited the ignition and burning of open fires until further notice. The countywide restriction bans all outdoor burning not permitted by the Florida Forest Service — including bonfires, campfires, and yard debris burning.However, the use of above-ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills is permitted.
Here are steps to take to protect your home and business from wildfires:
Create a 30-foot area of “defensible” — clean and green — space around your home or business.
Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and backyard.
Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters.
Have an Emergency Plan and an emergency kit packed in case an evacuation is ordered, especially if your home is near wildlands.
Monitor your county’s social media and local media for updates on road closures, smoke conditions and other hazards.
Use extreme caution when grilling, camping and discarding cigarettes.
Call 911 if you see smoke or fire in your area.
