Polk County officials have reinstated a countywide burn ban effective May 6 as drought conditions continue to worsen across the area.
The burn ban applies to unincorporated Polk County and the municipalities of Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lakeland, Mulberry, Polk City and Winter Haven.
Officials said the decision was based on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures soil moisture and wildfire potential on a scale from 0 to 800. Polk County’s current daily reading showed 76% of the county above the 500 benchmark, with a countywide average of 531.
Under county guidelines, a burn ban is issued once more than 50% of the county exceeds 500 on the KBDI scale.
The burn ban prohibits campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard and household trash, burning of organic debris, igniting fireworks, and noncommercial outdoor burning of materials not contained within a barbecue grill or barbecue pit.
Polk County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Shawn Smith said county officials have monitored drought conditions closely and determined the burn ban was necessary due to unsafe conditions. Smith added that dry conditions could allow a small spark or stray ember to quickly develop into a large fire.
Officials said anyone who violates the burn ban may face penalties under Polk County Ordinance 08-015, including a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 60 days in the county jail, or both.
County officials said the burn ban may be repealed once conditions improve and are deemed safe.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY GOVERNMENT
