SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Sarasota County’s burn ban, which was issued in October, was lifted Tuesday after drought levels fell, Sarasota County Fire Department officials said in a news release.
The ban, which prohibited unpermitted open burns in the county, including campfires, bonfires, and yard waste and trash fires, was rescinded after the Keetch-Byram Drought Index fell below 500 for seven consecutive days, reducing the wildfire threat in the county.
The index assesses daily wildfire risk by estimating the amount of water needed to saturate the soil.
As of April 7, 80 percent of Florida was experiencing “extreme” drought conditions, Patch previously reported. To end Florida’s worst drought in 25 years, 2 feet of rain would need to fall over the next three months.
The ban automatically took effect on Oct. 11 when the index reached 500, in accordance with county code.
Though the ban has been lifted, officials urge extreme caution as “the majority of the county continues to experience drought conditions,” according to the news release.
The burn ban could be reinstated in the coming weeks as rain forecasts call for deficient levels for the county, officials said.
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