POLK COUNTY, Fla. — If you were planning a backyard fireworks display to celebrate the New Year, you’ll need to change your plans. Polk County Fire Rescue has issued a reminder that the county-wide burn ban remains in full effect, and it strictly prohibits personal-use fireworks.
While residents are barred from lighting up the sky themselves, the celebration isn’t entirely canceled. Officials clarified that professional fireworks shows organized by municipalities are exempt from the order and are still permitted to proceed.
The restrictions are a response to unseasonably dry conditions that have plagued the region from summer straight through the fall. The ban, effective since Nov. 25, applies to all unincorporated areas of Polk County and includes Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, and Winter Haven.
READ: Tampa Bay Area To Plunge From 70s Into Near-Freezing Temps Before New Year’s Warmup
The decision is driven by the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures soil moisture on a scale of 0 (wet) to 800 (desert-like). A ban is triggered when over half the county exceeds a 500 rating. Polk’s recent numbers show an average of 507, with 53% of the county sitting above the danger threshold.
“After examining the latest KBDI data, we are issuing a burn ban. This ban is a preventative measure to make sure we can keep the community and our members as safe as possible,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith in November.
Under the current order, the following are prohibited:
- Personal fireworks
- Campfires and bonfires
- Burning of yard waste, household trash, or organic debris
- Unpermitted controlled burns
Residents can still use barbecue grills or pits for cooking if the fire is contained. Small, non-commercial fires for religious or ceremonial purposes are also allowed within strict size limits (3 feet wide by 2 feet high).
Fire officials are urging compliance to prevent wildfires in these brittle conditions. Violating the ban is a serious offense under Polk County Ordinance 08-015, punishable by fines up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both.
The ban will remain active until weather conditions improve significantly.
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