Although the area has seen some recent, scattered rain showers, the burn ban enacted by the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on April 11, 2023, remains in effect for all of unincorporated Citrus County.
Citrus County is averaging more than 600 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI).
The KBDI index is a continuous reference scale used by the Florida Forest Service to assess the likelihood and severity of brush fires. The scale begins at zero, which reflects no danger, and rises to 800, which reflects extreme danger. The current risk of brush fires and uncontrolled fires are a threat to life and property in Citrus County.
The burn ban includes campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard and household trash, burning of construction debris, burning of organic debris, and igniting of fireworks. Residential outdoor cooking is allowable, provided it is done on a suitable piece of equipment (such as a grill) designed to contain the fire, flame and heat generated thereby.
Further, outdoor cooking may also be done in any public or private place where there are facilities designed for outdoor cooking which would contain the heat, flames, or fire otherwise generated by outdoor cooking.
Any violation of the burn ban shall be prosecuted in the same manner as misdemeanors are prosecuted. Upon conviction, any person violating any requirement or provision of this article shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed 60 days or by both such fine and imprisonment.
For more information, call Citrus County Fire Rescue at 352-527-5406.