Cape Coral, Lee County issue burn bans
Due to dry conditions throughout the area, Lee County and city of Cape Coral officials issued burn bans Tuesday.
In accordance with the city’s Code of Ordinance, the city issued the temporary measure with “the intent to limit fire hazards within the city to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our residents.”
Cape Coral Fire Department officials said the ban prohibits recreational burns (i.e. fire pits, campfires) and city permitted burns (i.e. bonfires and land clearing control burns).
“This also includes burning vegetative debris,” CCFD officials stated in a release. “Fires solely for cooking purposes where the fire, flames, and heat generated are fully contained within the confines of the device being used (i.e. grill) are still allowed.”
The burn ban shall be in effect until the local drought index is below 600 for seven consecutive days.
The Cape Coral Fire Department also requests the community be vigilant in not disposing of lit smoking materials outdoors, including from a car window. The department requests that vehicles, including ATVs, only be operated on paved, gravel, or dirt surfaces and not on grass or other vegetation.
The county’s ordinance bans “outdoor burning ignition sources,” including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food are not included. Officials ask all residents countywide 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. According to officials, Lee’s index value Monday afternoon was a mean average of 612 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,” Lee County officials stated in a release.
The burn ban is accomplished by the county board adopting a State of Local Emergency. County officials state they will continue to monitor the drought conditions to determine how long the burn ban will be in place.
For more information on wildfire safety and protecting your home, visit capecoralfire.com/be-prepared.
Visit www.leegov.com and Lee County Government’s social media to monitor when the ban is rescinded.