🔥 Brevard County Burn Ban Lifted

Palm Bay, FL – Effective today, May 12th, 2025, the burn ban for Brevard County has been lifted.

The ban, which restricted open burning and the use of fireworks, was rescinded due to improving drought conditions across the county.

Drought Index Falls Below Threshold 📉

According to Brevard County Fire Rescue, the decision to lift the ban was made because the mean average Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for the county has fallen below 450. The KBDI is a measure of moisture levels in the soil and duff layers, ranging from 0 (saturated) to 750+ (extremely dry). Recent rainfall contributed to the drop in the index.

Open Burning and Fireworks Now Permitted 👍

With the burn ban no longer in effect, residents are once again permitted to engage in open burning activities, such as burning yard waste, in accordance with state and local regulations. The use of fireworks is also now allowed.

Caution Still Advised to Prevent Wildfires ⚠️

Despite the lifting of the ban and the decrease in the drought index, Brevard County Fire Rescue emphasizes that the potential for wildfires still exists. Citizens are urged to remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when conducting any burning or using fireworks.

To help reduce the risk of wildfires, residents should:

Create a defensible space of at least 30 feet around homes by keeping grass mowed and cutting away vegetation.
Check the weather forecast before burning and avoid burning on days with high winds or low humidity.

Brevard County Fire Rescue, Emergency Management, and the Division of Forestry will continue to monitor conditions across the county.

The lifting of the burn ban is a welcome change following recent dry conditions, but officials stress the importance of continued vigilance and safe practices to prevent wildfires.

Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.