WATCH: Brevard County Commission Votes 5-0 to Implement Countywide Burn Ban Amid Elevated Wildfire Risk

Recent brushfires and worsening drought conditions lead to unanimous board vote

WATCH: Citing prolonged dry weather and a rising threat of wildfires, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, February 10, to implement a countywide burn ban, effective immediately.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Citing prolonged dry weather and a rising threat of wildfires, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, February 10, to implement a countywide burn ban, effective immediately.

The 5–0 vote prohibits all forms of open burning across Brevard County, including bonfires, campfires, trash burning, and other outdoor incineration.

County officials said the decision was driven by increasingly dangerous conditions and a recent surge in brushfires reported over the past two weekends.

According to county officials, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI)—a widely used scale that measures soil and vegetation dryness—has reached 469 out of a possible 800. That level indicates near-drought conditions and significantly heightened fire danger.

Under a county ordinance adopted in 2017, a burn ban automatically takes effect when the KBDI reaches 500. Officials noted that the threshold is expected to be reached within the coming days.

Rather than wait for the automatic trigger, commissioners opted to act proactively to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition and spread.

“Conditions are extremely dry, and even a small spark can quickly become a dangerous situation,” county officials said, emphasizing that recent brushfires underscored the urgency of immediate action.

The burn ban applies to all unincorporated areas of Brevard County and remains in effect until conditions improve and the Board lifts the restriction. Residents are urged to follow the ban strictly, as violations may result in fines or other enforcement actions under the county code.

The ban does not apply to:

■ State-authorized prescribed burns conducted by trained professionals
■ The use of barbecue grills for cooking
■ Permitted public fireworks displays and fireworks sales, as allowed under Florida law

County fire officials continue to monitor weather patterns, humidity levels, and wildfire activity, and they encourage residents to take additional precautions, such as properly disposing of smoking materials, securing trailer chains to prevent sparks, and reporting any signs of smoke or fire immediately.

Similar Stories