Citrus County initiates BURN BAN due to prolonged dry weather

Citrus County, Florida - Due to Citrus County continuing to experience an extended period of dryness due to lack of rainfall, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has issued an official burn ban that applies to all unincorporated areas of Citrus County. The dryness increases the risk of brush fires, and the dry conditions do not show any signs of reducing in the near future. Uncontrolled fires are a threat to Citrus County’s safety.

The burn ban includes:
       Campfires
       Bonfires
       Unpermitted controlled burns
       Burning of yard and household trash
       Burning of construction debris
       Burning of organic debris
       Igniting fireworks

Any violation by any person of any requirement or provision listed above will be prosecuted in the same manner as a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, any person who violates any requirement or provision of the burn ban will be punished by a fine not to exceed $500, or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed 60 days - or by both the fine and imprisonment.

More than 90% of Citrus County is averaging over 501 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). The KBDI index is a continuous reference scale used by the Florida Forest Service to assess the likelihood and severity of brush fires. The scale begins at zero, which reflects no danger, and rises to 800, which reflects extreme danger.

Residential outdoor cooking is not prohibited - provided the cooking is done on a suitable piece of equipment designed to contain the fire and the heat generated by it. Outdoor cooking may also be done in any public or private place where the facilities are designed for outdoor cooking to contain the fire and heat generated by outdoor cooking.

“Citrus County Fire Rescue has waited as long as possible to issue this burn ban,” said Citrus County Fire Rescue Chief, Craig Stevens. “The current dry conditions are favorable for the rapid development and spread of brush fires throughout the county. Ensuring the safety of every resident and visitor throughout Citrus County and minimizing the likeliness for loss of property county wide are top priorities for Citrus County Fire Rescue.”