While Polk County currently sits in a burn ban due to dry conditions, a lack of rainfall, and an increased probability of wildfires, outdoor fire calls to Polk County Fire Rescue seem to be on the increase. Here are a few explained from yesterday, Saturday, April 26, 2025, according to Nathaniel Gale, Public Information Officer for Polk County Fire Rescue:
Schaefer Ln, Lake Wales: This was an illegal burn; crews were dispatched at 7:28 p.m. and drives on scene 6 minutes later. Crews had it under control at 7:54 p.m.
Waverly Rd. and CF Kinney Rd., Lake Wales: This was a bonfire that crews quickly put out upon arrival.
Camp Rosalie Rd., Lake Wales: This began as a trash fire with extension to a nearby boat. PCFR was dispatched at 7:11 p.m. and upon arrival had water on the fire in two minutes and knocked it down in another three.
Hwy. 60 and RJ Keen Rd., Lake Wales: This was a secondary call for the outside fire at Schaefer Ln. and was quickly cancelled.
The burn ban currently in effect for Polk County “prohibits campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, and burning of various materials like yard waste and construction debris,” according to Polk County Government.
Polk County officials issued a burn ban effective April 15, 2025, due to dry weather conditions and a prolonged lack of rainfall.
The burn ban can be determined using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which assesses moisture content in the soil and predicts wildfire potential.
The current burn ban prohibits campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning yard and household trash, burning construction debris, burning organic debris, igniting fireworks, and noncommercial burning of materials (except for religious or ceremonial purposes in a barbecue grill/pit).
Updates to the burn ban status can be checked on www.polk-county.net.
