Citrus County ends Burn Ban
Citrus County Fire Rescue, Wednesday, June 19, 2024
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Citrus County has fallen below 500 for the past 7 consecutive days, and as a result. as of June 19, 2024, the burn ban which prohibited the ignition and burning of open fires, is no longer in effect. The KBDI had been 505 for 7 consecutive days when the burnban went into effect
Citrus County Ordinance no. 2024-A05 states, "When dry weather conditions result in a Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reading at 500 or higher, a drought emergency shall automatically go into effect and a burn ban will automatically activate."
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.
Citrus County Fire Rescue officials will continue to monitor conditions to determine the need for future bans.
Authorization is not required to burn yard waste as long as:
• You meet the required setbacks and no local, city or county ordinances prohibit burning.
• The yard waste is generated on your property, and it fits into an 8-foot diameter pile or non-combustible container; and
• The fire is ignited after 9:00 am current eastern time and is extinguished one hour before sunset.
It is ILLEGAL to burn household garbage, including paper products, treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticides, paint, and aerosol containers.
Although the KBDI has dropped, Citrus County Fire Rescue reminds citizens to take the proper precautions to protect their families from fire danger. “We continue to encourage residents to practice outdoor burning safety to reduce Citrus County’s year-round wildfire risk and thank the public for their cooperation,” said Craig Stevens, Fire Chief. “In addition, we urge you to learn more about safe burning practices at Florida Forest Service."
Learn about burning regulations here: https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/Fire%20Law%202019%20One-Page%208.16.19.pdf.