LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County officials issued a countywide burn ban on Wednesday, effective immediately, due to worsening drought and extreme wildfire conditions.
The mandate was triggered after the local drought index surpassed the safety threshold required to activate the county’s wildfire prevention protocol.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index reached 501, exceeding the 500-point limit that mandates a burn ban. The decision follows a period of minimal rainfall in the area, aligning Lake County with several surrounding counties that have already implemented similar fire restrictions.
The ban prohibits the burning of yard debris, land clearing, and recreational fires.
Officials noted that the region has not received significant rainfall in recent weeks, leading surrounding counties to implement similar restrictions.
Certain outdoor cooking activities are still allowed despite the countywide restrictions. Residents may continue to use barbecue grills, smokers, and small cooking pits. To remain compliant, these fires must have a fuel area no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
The Florida Forest Service remains the only entity authorized to issue burn permits while the ban is in effect. These state-issued permits are the only legal avenue for burning larger debris or clearing land during the current drought.
Lake County officials will lift the burn ban once the KBDI falls below 500 for five consecutive days.
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