Polk Fire Officials Lift Burn Ban

Effective as of Monday, June 15, Polk County's burn ban is repealed by Polk County Fire Rescue officials.

With the arrival of the summer rainy season, according to the Division of Forestry's June 15 report, Polk County is currently sitting at 62 on the Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) and has a low fire danger rating according to the Florida Fire Danger Index. The county is currently far below the required 50 percent of a KBDI rating of above 500.

The KBDI index is used as an indicator to determine the likelihood and severity of brush fires. The scale begins at zero, which is no danger and rises to 800, which is extreme danger. As a rule of thumb, fire officials become concerned any time the scale goes above 500 for 50 percent of the county.

The repeal includes Polk County Fire Rescue coverage area, which includes all unincorporated Polk County as well as the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lakeland, Mulberry, Polk City and Winter Haven, who all chose to participate in the mandatory ban that took effect on March 31.

This action in no way impacts the burn permits that are issued by the State Division of Forestry (DOF) for clearing land, controlled burning, etc.

For more information about brush fires, fire dangers and how to develop a "firewise" community, visit, http://www.nfpa.org or http://www.firewise.org. For information about fireworks, visit the state fire marshal's website, http://www.myfloridacfo.com/sfm. Visit Polk County on the web, http://www.polk-county.net.