Polk County officials on Friday announced a burn ban in order to reduce the risk of brush fires and uncontrolled fires in the area.

  • More than 50 percent of county at heightened risk
  • Ban includes campfires, bonfires, fireworks
  • Violators can be fined, imprisoned

As the area continues to experience an extended period of dry weather conditions, with no end to those conditions in sight, county officials felt it necessary to issue the ban.

“We have held off as long as we possibly can on issuing this burn ban,” said Fire Chief Anthony Stravino. “But conditions are favorable for the rapid development and spread of brush fires and we need to take every step necessary to ensure the safety of everyone. We also don’t want anyone to lose property or investments due to fire.”

The burn ban includes, but is not limited to:

  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
  8. Noncommercial burning of material other than for religious or ceremonial purposes which is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit and the total fuel area does not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. 

According to county officials, more than 50 percent of Polk is averaging more than 500 on the Keetch-Byram Drout Index (KBDI). The KBDI Index is used as an indicator to determine the likelihood and severity of brush fires.

The scale begins at zero, which represents no danger, and rises to 800, which is extreme danger. In general, fire officials become concerned any time the scale goes above 500 for 50 percent of the county.

The burn applies to all unincorporated areas of the county and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Mulberry, Polk City, Lakeland and Dundee.

Officials specified that anyone found not in compliance with the ban could face fines up to $500 or a jail sentence up to 60 days.