Prohibits open burning, including bonfires, campfires, trash burning, and other forms of outdoor incineration
Brevard County officials have issued a countywide burn ban as prolonged dry weather conditions continue to elevate the risk of wildfires across the region. The burn ban, approved by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, takes effect immediately and prohibits open burning, including bonfires, campfires, trash burning, and other forms of outdoor incineration.
Brevard County residents are encouraged to use caution outdoors and avoid activities that could unintentionally ignite dry brush or grass.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Brevard County officials have issued a countywide burn ban as prolonged dry weather conditions continue to elevate the risk of wildfires across the region.
The burn ban, approved by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, takes effect immediately and prohibits open burning, including bonfires, campfires, trash burning, and other forms of outdoor incineration.
County officials said the decision comes as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, commonly known as the KBDI, climbed to 485 on a scale of 800.
The index measures soil dryness and wildfire potential, with higher numbers indicating increasingly severe drought conditions and greater fire danger.
Under a county ordinance adopted in 2017, a burn ban is automatically triggered once the KBDI reaches 500.
Officials said current conditions indicate that the threshold is expected to be reached within the next 24 hours, prompting county leaders to act in advance.
The burn ban is intended to reduce the likelihood of accidental fires during a period of heightened wildfire danger.
Dry vegetation, low moisture levels, and continued lack of rainfall can allow fires to spread rapidly, particularly during windy conditions.
While the burn ban restricts most forms of open burning, several exceptions remain in place under state law.
The order does not apply to state-authorized prescribed burns conducted by certified professionals, the use of barbecue grills for cooking, or permitted public fireworks displays and sales.
Brevard County residents are encouraged to use caution outdoors and avoid activities that could unintentionally ignite dry brush or grass.
Officials also remind residents to properly dispose of cigarettes, avoid parking vehicles on dry vegetation, and remain alert for any signs of smoke or fire.
Florida routinely experiences elevated wildfire conditions during periods of drought, particularly in the spring before the summer rainy season.
With much of Brevard County experiencing increasingly dry conditions, emergency management officials say preventing human-caused fires is critical to protecting homes, businesses, and natural areas throughout the county.
Brevard County officials did not indicate how long the burn ban will remain in effect, but said it will remain in place until weather conditions improve and wildfire risk decreases.
