As Polk County continues experiencing unseasonably dry weather conditions, Polk County’s burn ban remains in effect. The ban prohibits the setting off of noncommercial fireworks but does not forbid professional firework shows.
The burn ban is determined using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). The KBDI is a continuous reference scale, ranging from 0 to 800. It assesses the moisture content from no moisture deficiency (0) to maximum drought conditions (800) of the soil. This helps predict the potential for wildfires.
As the lack of rainfall persists, the KBDI has steadily increased in recent weeks, and the upcoming 10-day forecast predicts a minimal amount of rain. If the forecasts are correct, then the KBDI’s current upward trend will continue to rise.
Areas of Polk County covered by the ban include unincorporated Polk County and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, and Winter Haven…