Lake County Government lifted its burn ban effective Friday, May 16. Lake County Fire Rescue (LCFR) implements burn bans when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) rises above a 500-rating threshold. The County’s rating has been below 500 for the five consecutive days, therefore, allowing LCFR to end the burn ban.
The burn ban was initially implemented on March 25, 2025, as a precautionary measure to prevent accidental fires and mitigate the impact of drought conditions in the area. The burn ban prohibited recreational fires, as well as the burning of yard debris, land, and unauthorized piles of debris not approved by the Florida Division of Forestry. However, with the significant rainfall from recent storms, officials have determined that the risk of fires has significantly decreased now that the KBDI is well-below the threshold of 500.
Lake County residents are advised to follow all safety guidelines when burning debris or other materials outdoors. Guidelines include constantly monitoring fires, keeping them contained in a fire pit or other fire-resistant container, and keeping them near a water source in case of an emergency. For more information about burn bans, visit Burn Bans in Lake County, FL (lakecountyfl.gov)
