Osceola County's Keetch-Byram Drought Index figure reached 504, putting a county-wide burn ban into effect. (Graphic/Osceola County, KBMI)
With Osceola County's Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) figure reaching 504, the county has joined its neighboring counties in issuing a burn ban for all types of outside burning, including open fire pits, campfires, and yard debris. The ban goes into effect whenever the drought index exceeds 500.
The burn ban is effective immediately and will be lifted as rain arrives -- there is a more than decent chance of rain on Monday -- and weather and vegetation conditions improve. The ban will be enforced by Osceola County Code Enforcement, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services personnel.
“Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS encourages residents to be mindful and alert as dry conditions, which carry an increased risk for wildfires, persist in our community," said Osceola County Fire Rescue officials over the past weeks as Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard and Lake counties issued burn bans. Red Flag Warnings have been in effect on days where humidity has been low and winds have been brisk.
Florida’s dry season, which typically extends from November through April, can bring with it favorable conditions for wildfires. Prolonged periods with very little rain and lower humidity can -- and have -- dry out surface vegetation, creating situations where even small catalysts – unextinquished cigarettes, embers from bonfires or outdoor burning, discarded coals from barbecues, and discharged fireworks can quickly spread and escalate into life-threatening wildfires.
In the event that you see a wildfire, with a thick column of smoke or flames, call 911 immediately.
Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS will continue to monitor conditions to determine when the burn ban will be lifted.
