VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Burn bans are now in place in parts of Central Florida as drought conditions and wildfire risk continue to climb.
Counties are taking action, limiting outdoor burning to prevent potentially dangerous fires.
What You Need To Know
Burn bans are in effect in parts of Central Florida due to drought and wildfire risk
Open flames are prohibited, though contained gas and charcoal grills are still allowed with precautions
Recent fires in Osceola County burned up to 80 acres and were wind-driven
Violators could face fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail
Weeks of limited rainfall are creating prime conditions for wildfires across Central Florida.
“The difference we have now is because of that cold weather. Not only do we have just the regular dry soil, dry dust and stuff like that, we had that hard freeze for a few days, so it dried up and killed off a lot of stuff,” said Volusia County Fire Chief Joe King.
King says their burn ban went into effect Friday, Feb. 20, prohibiting all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas, along with the cities of Oak Hill, Lake Helen, and Pierson.
“Burning open flames at all is not allowed during this time. Either a gas grill or a charcoal grill, you can cook. But what we say if you’re going to do that, don’t leave it unattended and make sure when you’re done, the charcoals are out and cold,” King said.
While contained gas or charcoal grills are still allowed, open flames of any kind are not. The drought indicators backing this decision are reflected in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, a scale that measures how dry soil and vegetation have become.
“We had several fires this weekend. One affecting a building off Avenue A in Intercession City. Forestry is investigating that,” said Osceola County Fire Chief Jon Haskett.
Haskett says their dry conditions have already caused fires and they are keeping their burn ban in place.
“There was one down in Poinciana that was about 80 acres. This one on Avenue A was about 50 acres. Both of them were wind-driven,” Haskett said.
In both counties, fire crews are also urging residents to take extra precautions: avoid tossing cigarettes from vehicles, don’t park hot cars on dry grass, and clear leaves away from homes.
“If you see smoke, you see flames, go ahead and call it in,” King said.
Violating the burn ban could cost you. Officials say those caught burning could face fines of up to $500, and possibly up to 60 days in jail. Fire rescue crews also have the authority to issue citations and extinguish any unauthorized fires.
Officials say the bans will stay in effect until drought conditions improve and wildfire threats decrease. They will announce when the ban can safely be lifted. Updates will be posted on the county’s website and fire services page.