Palm Beach County Fire Rescue

Ban on Open Burning and the use of Fireworks

Palm Beach County

Effective March 21, 2007

 

Palm Beach County is reaching a critical potential for wildfire. The

increasing KBDI (650+) reflects a drop in water table levels caused by the

lack of rain. This reduces fuel moisture content and increase the possibility

of ignition and rapid fire spread. Additionally we have observed an

increase in brush fire frequency, which further reinforces the deteriorating

conditions in the county.

 

Therefore, effective Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in cooperation with the

Florida Division of Forestry we are issuing a ban on all open burning in

Palm Beach County. This includes permitted residential and commercial

land clearing operations, agricultural burning, as well as recreational and

ceremonial fires. The only exception to the ban shall be the burning of

sugar cane fields, as the harvest season closes out in the coming weeks.

The use of barbecue grills is permitted at this time.

 

Additionally, due to the risk of fire, the use of fireworks and sparklers is

prohibited. Requests for permits for public display of fireworks shall be

reviewed on a case by case basis, but shall be denied in areas where the

fallout zone includes areas at risk for fireworks.

 

The ban on open burning and the use of fireworks shall remain in place

until such time as the KBDI index is reduced below 500, which will require

significant widespread rainfall.