Dry weather prompts enactment of burn ban

SEMINOLE COUNTY – Today, Seminole County Fire Department and Seminole County Office of Emergency Management enacted a countywide Burn Ban in accordance with County Code, Section. 85.24.

When dry weather conditions result in a Keetch Byran Drought Index reading at 500 or higher, such reading operates as an automatic prohibition on open burning except for burning done by, or under the direct supervision of, authorized County or municipal personnel or with the authorization of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Services. This automatic prohibition will continue to be in effect in seven (7) day increments for as long as the Keetch Byran Drought Index is at or above 500. This automatic prohibition automatically lapses after the Keetch Byran Drought Index has fallen below 500 for at least seven (7) consecutive days. Seminole County Fire Marshals and Law Enforcement are authorized to enforce the Burn Ban.

The countywide, mandatory Burn Ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service. Bonfires, campfires, and the burning of vegetative (yard) debris is not allowed at this time. The use of consumer fireworks is strongly discouraged, as well.

The Burn Ban shall remain in effect until further notice. Any person who violates the Burn Ban can be punished either by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 60 days or a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by both.

For additional information, please call the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management, 407-665-5102. To report violation of the Burn Ban, please call the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, 407-665-6650.