Polk County has officially repealed the burn ban that had been in effect since May 5, citing improving weather conditions and decreasing drought levels across the county.
County officials announced Wednesday that discussions between Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith, local municipal fire chiefs, and the Florida Forest Service determined it was safe to lift the ban as Central Florida enters the rainy season.
According to the county, Polk’s average Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) dropped to 455 as of June 16, with approximately 70% of the county now below the 500 threshold. The KBDI is a drought measurement scale ranging from 0 to 800, with higher numbers indicating drier conditions and increased wildfire risk.
“As we look at weather forecasts and the decrease in the KBDI, it confirms that our numbers are going in the correct direction for a repeal of the burn ban,” Smith said.
Officials said conditions will continue to be monitored closely. Residents are still encouraged to report potentially dangerous fires to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at 863-298-6200 or call 911 if life or property is in immediate danger.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
