Brevard County officials announced an immediate burn ban Friday after the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reached 485, signaling extreme fire danger. The ban, which activates automatically when the KBDI hits 500, follows red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service due to high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds. Firefighters expect the index to cross 500 within 24 hours, triggering the county’s automatic ban.
The red flag warnings covered Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties Thursday, with conditions worsening across Central Florida. Florida Forest Service crews in Orlando are monitoring three active wildfires and dry vegetation, according to duty officer Frank Mazelin. 'You always have to be on top of it when rangers are near fires,' Mazelin said.
Burn bans are now in effect for six Central Florida counties: Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sumter. Residents are prohibited from burning yard debris, and officials warn conditions could deteriorate rapidly. 'This is a very high fire danger alert,' said Florida Forest Service spokesman Cliff Frazier. 'It can go very quickly.'
The KBDI measures soil moisture levels, with 800 representing complete dryness. Brevard’s current reading of 485 indicates near-drought conditions, according to county officials. Firefighters are on high alert as temperatures remain elevated and humidity stays low.
Residents are urged to comply with the ban and avoid outdoor burning. Violations could result in fines under county ordinances. Fire officials said the situation remains fluid, with conditions expected to worsen before improving.