Published: April 16, 2025
Bartow, Fla. (April 16, 2025) — After the enactment of a burn ban for unincorporated Polk County on April 15, the following municipalities have agreed to enforce the ban in their city limits: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lakeland and Winter Haven.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) continues to climb as it rose another four points on April 16 for an average of 507 across Polk County. The percentage amount above the 500 threshold in Polk County now sits at 59%.
In drought conditions like Polk County is currently experiencing, the burn ban helps prioritize the life and property of Polk County residents and visitors and potentially limits the number of wildfire calls for public safety members.
As a reminder, the burn ban prohibits:
• Campfires;
• Bonfires;
• Unpermitted controlled burns;
• Burning yard and household trash;
• Burning construction debris;
• Burning organic debris;
• Igniting fireworks; and
• 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 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
Anyone who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban shall be in violation of Polk County Ordinance 08-015 and can be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both.
Polk County officials may repeal the burn ban when deemed safe.
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