lake county lifts burn ban

Lake County has rescinded the countywide burn ban today that was enacted April 17.

Lake County’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is currently averaging 480, and is expected to fall below 450 due to ongoing rain. KBDI is a reference scale ranging from 0 to 800 and estimates the dryness of soil. It increases without rain and decreases with rain. High values mean conditions are favorable for the spread of wildfires.

“Since implementing the ban, citizens have been extremely vigilant in not burning and in reporting illegal burns," said Lake County Fire Chief Jim Dickerson. "Thankfully, Lake County has avoided experiencing any major new wildfires during this time.”  

As Florida’s rainy season approaches, the three-month weather outlook predicts normal to above normal rainfall. Citizens, however, are encouraged to continue to observe safe fire practices which include:

•    Refrain from burning yard waste when high winds are present.
•    Ensure all fires are completely extinguished.
•    Never leave active fires unattended, and have a means of extinguishing the fire close by such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher.
•    Continue to re-check any fire areas for several days following extinguishment to ensure it doesn’t rekindle.
Lake County Fire Rescue protec county residents and visitors in an area covering approximately 1,200 square miles, with nearly 70,000 residences and up to 2,000 commercial properties. 

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