BARTOW, Fla. — A burn ban has been issued throughout Polk County after a recent lack of rainfall.
The burn ban applies to all unincorporated Polk and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven.
The ban takes effect Tuesday and prohibits:
- Campfires
- Bonfires
- Unpermitted controlled burns
- Burning yard and household trash
- Burning construction debris
- Burning organic debris
- Igniting fireworks
- Noncommercial burning of materials other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, in which case they must be contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit. The total fuel area cannot exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
“Polk County Fire Rescue has held off as long as we possibly can on issuing this burn ban,” said Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M. “The current dry conditions are favorable for the rapid development and spread of brush fires throughout the County. Ensuring the safety of every resident and visitor throughout Polk County and minimizing the likeliness for loss of property county wide are top priorities for Polk County Fire Rescue.”
Anyone who violates the ban could be fined up to $500 or receinve a 60-day sentence in jail.
