County rescinds burn ban amid increase of seasonal rains
The burn ban that has been in place in Lee County since Jan. 20 has been rescinded, as it was allowed to expire amid seasonal rainfall. The ban previously had been extended weekly since it was enacted.
Lee County Public Safety is encouraging residents and visitors to use caution while resuming any burning activities.
Lee County’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) mean average was 463 out of 800 on May 26. Lee’s index value was 637 when the burn ban was enacted through a state of local emergency.
For the county to enact a burn ban, certain conditions must be met, including the KBDI. The county also coordinates with the Lee County Fire Chiefs’ Association and Florida Forest Service, both of which supported allowing the ban to expire.
For continued safety, the Florida Forest Service offers information and tips at:
– Be Wildfire Ready
www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Fire-Prevention/Be-Wildfire-Ready
– Ready, Set, Go! Resources
www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Fire-Safety/Ready-Set-Go!-Resources