Polk County enacted a countywide burn ban on Wednesday, reacting to persistent dry conditions and hot weather.
The order Wednesday noted that more than 50% of Polk County is averaging over 500 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index. The index is used to determine drought conditions, and ranges from 0 (no moisture deficit) to 800. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Polk County as a whole was shown near the 500 range on Wednesday.
The order did not specify a date that the burn ban would end.
Polk County ordinances allow the fire chief to declare a burn ban during periods in which the atmospheric conditions increase the risk of brush fires. The order Wednesday said the county has experienced a period of dry conditions, and “there are no signs of abatement of these dangerous fire conditions in the near future.”
The ban includes all areas of unincorporated Polk County and the municipalities of Frostproof, Fort Meade, Bartow, Haines City, Lakeland, Lake Alfred, Dundee, Auburndale, and Winter Haven. It prohibits all open and recreational fires “unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service.
It defines open and recreational fires as campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of the yard and household trash, burning of construction debris, burning of organic debris, igniting of fireworks, and “noncommercial burning of material, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, that is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit and the total fuel area exceeds 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.”
The fire marshal may approve open fires for agricultural purposes for a specific location and time period, the order states. The burn ban does not prohibit burning permitted by the Florida Forest Service or firework displays approved by municipalities.
The order says violation of the burn ban could be punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.