Orange County issues burn ban, effective immediately

THIS IS A PUBLIC NOTICE ISSUED BY ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT

A burn ban is currently in effect for Orange County, Florida, which prohibits almost all open burning. Under Orange County’s Fire Prevention and Protection ordinance, burn bans are automatically instituted countywide when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) meets or exceeds 500.

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless a permit has been issued and is applicable for the unincorporated areas of Orange County. There are some exemptions to this rule, including cooking on barbeque grills or pits as described in Section 18-7, Orange County Code, or any other valid state or county-authorized burn.

Violators will face having the fire extinguished and enforcement action up to and including the issuance of a citation by Orange County officials.

The burn ban will automatically lift after the drought index falls below 500 for seven consecutive days. This announcement will be made by Orange County through local news media, social media, and the Orange County websites.

Orange County Fire Rescue reminds citizens to take the following actions to protect their families and homes from fire danger:

• Create at least 30-feet of “defensible” – meaning clean and green – space around your home.
• Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and backyards.
• Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters.
• Have a plan and an emergency kit packed in case an evacuation is ordered, especially if your home directly abuts wildlands.
• Monitor local media for updates on road closures, smoke conditions and other hazards.
• Use extreme caution when grilling, camping, and discarding cigarettes.
• Call 9-1-1 if you see fire in your area.
• Download the OCFL Alert app and sign up for OC Alert to stay abreast of rapidly-changing conditions and warnings for your area.

For additional information, visit click HERE.