Brevard County's burn ban remains in place as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) climbed to 518 on May 28, 2026, according to county officials. The index, which measures soil moisture and fire danger, has risen about 10 points daily since early May due to a lack of consistent rainfall. If conditions persist, the county could face extreme drought by mid-June, threatening plans for Fourth of July fireworks.
The burn ban was enacted before the KBDI reached 500, the threshold for automatic activation under county ordinance. Brevard County spokesperson Don Walker said officials initiated the ban at 480 due to recent brush fires in the Palm Bay area. As of Thursday, the index stood at 518, and it could reach 540—a mark of extreme drought—within weeks. "Even if the index drops below 500, the burn ban would still apply for several days," Walker said.
The ban prohibits all open burning, including bonfires, campfires, and trash burning. Spectrum News meteorologist Zach Covey warned that dry vegetation and soil could allow fires to spread rapidly. "A single spark can ignite a major fire," Covey said. "We’ve seen it time and time again." The county has not reported any large wildfires yet, but officials urge residents to avoid activities that could spark flames.
The ban does not apply to state-permitted prescribed burns, barbeque grills, or public fireworks displays approved by local authorities. However, the potential for dry conditions to hinder Fourth of July celebrations remains a concern. Rain is expected by early June, but officials say the timeline is uncertain. For now, the focus remains on preventing fires as the KBDI continues to rise.