Burn ban issued for Polk County as dry conditions increase chances of wildfires
Because of prolonged dry conditions in Polk County, officials issued a countywide burn ban Tuesday.
According to a news release, Polk County is averaging over 507 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which is a continuous reference scale used by the Florida Forest Service to assess the likelihood and severity of brush fires.
The current increased risk of brush fires and the risk of uncontrolled fires could threaten the safety of Polk County’s people and property, the release said.
The burn ban prohibits:
Campfires.
Bonfires.
Unpermitted controlled burns.
Burning of yard and household trash.
Burning of construction debris.
Burning of organic debris.
Fireworks.
And noncommercial burning of materials other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, in which case they must be contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
“Polk County Fire Rescue has held off as long as we possibly can on issuing this burn ban,” Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Hezedean A. Smith said in the release. “The current dry conditions are favorable for the rapid development and spread of brush fires throughout the County. Ensuring the safety of every resident and visitor throughout Polk County and minimizing the likeliness for loss of property county wide are top priorities for Polk County Fire Rescue.”
The burn ban applies to all unincorporated Polk and the following cities: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven. The order
By county ordinance, burn ban violators can be punished with up to a $500 fine and 60 days in the county jail.
There was confusion about the burn ban last week after an email containing the order — dated May 22 and signed by Smith and a deputy clerk of courts — was sent to The Ledger offices on Thursday morning. After a story published, a spokesperson Polk County Fire Rescue said the information was sent prematurely and the ban wouldn't take effect until a legal notice appeared in the paper on Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Burn ban issued for Polk County amid persistently dry conditions