Brevard County officials announced a countywide burn ban on May 8, 2026, prohibiting open burning including bonfires, campfires, and trash incineration. The decision follows the Keetch-Byram Drought Index reaching 485 out of 800, signaling severe dryness and heightened fire danger. The ban triggers automatically under a 2017 county ordinance when the KBDI hits 500, a threshold expected within 24 hours. Residents must extinguish existing fires immediately. The ban does not apply to state-authorized prescribed burns, barbecue grills, or public fireworks permitted by state law. County Commissioner John Smith confirmed the measure during a press briefing, citing the need to prevent uncontrolled wildfires. Fire officials report that dry vegetation and low humidity have created conditions where even small sparks could ignite blazes. The KBDI, a tool used by fire managers nationwide, measures soil moisture depletion; a reading above 400 indicates extreme fire risk. Local fire departments have increased patrols in rural areas, urging residents to report suspicious smoke. The burn ban is expected to remain in place until rainfall alleviates drought conditions, though officials have not set an end date. State law allows exceptions for agricultural burning under strict permits, but no such requests have been approved this year. The ban affects all 16 municipalities in Brevard County, including Melbourne, Cocoa, and Palm Bay. Emergency management teams are preparing for potential evacuations if fires spread. Residents are advised to check the county’s website for updates and to avoid outdoor activities that could generate sparks. Firefighters say even a single match could start a blaze under current conditions.