After the recent uptick of brush fires, Polk County Fire Rescue wants to remind everyone that the countywide burn ban remains in effect. Following the burn ban is important as it prevents avoidable emergencies, keeps you and your neighbors safe and allows better resource allocation on other calls for service.
Polk County currently sits at an average of 530 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), with 66% of the county above the 500 mark. The KBDI assesses the soil’s moisture content from no moisture deficiency (0) to maximum drought conditions (800).
The ban includes unincorporated Polk County and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, and Winter Haven.
The burn ban prohibits:
• Campfires;
• Bonfires;
• Unpermitted controlled burns;
• Burning of yard and household trash;
• Burning of organic debris;
• Igniting of fireworks; and
• Noncommercial burning of materials, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, which is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
Anyone who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban is in violation of Polk County Ordinance 08-015 and can be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both.
Polk County officials will repeal the burn ban when deemed safe.