On November 25, 2025, Polk County officials enacted a burn ban due to dry weather and low rainfall during the summer and fall. The ban covers unincorporated areas and several cities, including Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, and Winter Haven.
The decision was based on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures soil moisture and wildfire risk from 0 to 800. A ban is put in place when more than half the county has a KBDI reading above 500. At the time of the ban, 53% of Polk County was above this level, with an average reading of 507.
The ban prohibits campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning yard and household trash, organic debris, and fireworks. Fires for religious or ceremonial use are allowed if they are contained and meet size limits. Fire Chief Shawn Smith said the timing of the ban is unusual but necessary for safety…