A mandatory burn ban is now in effect in Polk County as of today (Tuesday, May 28, 2024). The burn ban will remain in effect until the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) drops below 500 for consecutive days or until further notice.
WHAT IS A BURN BAN?
A burn ban prohibits outdoor burning to prevent accidental and avoidable wildfires. Burn bans occur when there has been an extensive drought and dry vegetation could easily ignite and start a wildfire.
The burn ban prohibits the following:
1. Campfires;
2. Bonfires;
3. Unpermitted controlled burns;
4. Burning of yard and household trash;
5. Burning of construction debris;
6. Burning of organic debris;
7. Igniting of fireworks; and
8. 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.
DOES THE BURN BAN APPLY TO ME?
The burn ban applies to all unincorporated Polk and to the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven.
For more information, visit: Polk County Officials Issue Burn Ban | Polk County Fire Rescue (polk-county.net)
