Burn Ban for Polk County Area

ATTENTION:

POLK BURN BAN NOW IN EFFECT

A mandatory burn ban is now in effect in Polk County as of today (Friday, March 31, 2023). 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, Eagle Lake, Lake Alfred, Mulberry, Lake Hamilton, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Polk City, Winter Haven, Davenport, Dundee, Lakeland, Bartow, Frostproof, Fort Meade and Highland Park.

Anyone who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban shall be in violation of County Ordinance 08-015 and can be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment by a term not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both.

For more information, click here

This information is reposted from Polk County Government

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