Polk County Extends Countywide Burn Ban Suspension

Published: April 16, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (April 16, 2026) — Polk County is extending the countywide burn ban suspension until 11:59 p.m. on April 24, 2026. The burn ban was suspended on April 9, 2026.

“After continuously monitoring the KBDI and speaking with stakeholders around the county. I decided to extend the burn ban suspension for another week,” said Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “We are looking at longer term solutions for either an extended suspension or complete repeal but that is something that will come at a later date.”

Polk County’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) current countywide average is 386 with 93% of the county under 500 as of April 15.

El KBDI es una escala de referencia continua que va de 0 a 800. Evalúa el contenido de humedad del suelo, desde la ausencia de déficit hídrico (0) hasta las condiciones de sequía máxima (800).

“We want you to continue enjoying your recreational fires but always burn responsibility and keep a water source nearby,” said Smith.

A pesar de que se ha levantado la prohibición de hacer fuego, si ve alguna quema que pueda suponer un peligro, denúnciela a la línea para casos que no sean de emergencia de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Polk, llamando al (863) 298-6200, o llame al 9-1-1 si hay peligro inmediato para la vida o la propiedad.

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