Published: May 14, 2025
Bartow, Fla. (May 14, 2025) — Polk County is no longer under a burn ban. The burn ban, which went into effect on April 15, has been repealed.
“The recent heavy rains have significantly lowered the fire risk. We still urge the public to be careful with any outside burning,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith.
As a result of the recent rainfall, Polk County’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is 201 as of May 14.
“We thank you for the support and observation of the now repealed burn ban,” Fire Chief Smith said.
Despite the lift of the burn ban — if you see a potentially dangerous burn — report it to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at (863) 298-6200 or 9-1-1 if life or property is in immediate danger.
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