This week a burn ban was enacted for all of unincorporated Lee County. Fort Myers Beach followed the county’s lead on the ban which includes: “outdoor burning ignition sources,” including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food and backyard fire rings are not included.
Officials ask all residents to be mindful of dry conditions and to use good judgment to mitigate potential for significant wildfires.
For the county to enact a burn ban, certain conditions must be met, including a Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) that reached or exceeds a value of 600. Lee’s index value
Tuesday afternoon was a mean average of 600 out of 800. The county also coordinates with the Lee County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Florida Forest Service, both of which support the ban.
This ban does not apply to prescribed burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service, authorized public fireworks displays permitted by Lee County and other government agencies, and fireworks sales authorized by state laws.”