Burn Ban Rescinded for Polk County

Thanks to an increase in rain, Polk County has repealed the active burn ban effective July 1. That permits the outdoor burning of brush in controlled circumstances, but extreme caution should still be exercised as plentiful dry vegetation remains.

Courtesy National Integrated Drought Information System

Frequent rains that began in late June have finally eased the long drought that has seriously impacted central Florida, Low soil moisture and lake levels are noted throughout the area.

The Polk County Fire Chief had declared a burn ban throughout Polk County on May 28, due to dangerous fire conditions throughout the county. All of Polk County experienced an unusually dry spring, which followed a dry 2023.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) scale 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. It now indicates that less than 10 percent of Polk County is averaging over 500, and the average KBDI across Polk County is 312.

The repeal means residents in all unincorporated Polk and municipalities who participated in the burn ban can now burn yard debris, campfires, bonfires and construction debris.

Fire officials warn residents celebrating Independence Day to be mindful and use caution when using fireworks, ensuring they are a safe distance from structures and people. Polk County could reinstate a burn ban if conditions get dry once again.