Effective immediately, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners has issued a countywide burn ban to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires.

The decision comes as prolonged dry weather has pushed the region into high-risk territory.

The Trigger: Rising KBDI Levels
The primary catalyst for the ban is the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a mathematical system used by forestry agencies to track soil moisture depletion.
Current Reading: 485
Scale: 0 (Saturated) to 800 (Severe Drought)
The Threshold: Under a 2017 county ordinance, a ban is automatically triggered at a reading of 500.

While the current levels sit just below that mark, officials anticipate reaching the 500 threshold within the next 24 hours. Given the “near drought-like” conditions and the immediate danger to public safety, the Board opted to implement the restrictions ahead of the automatic trigger.

What is Prohibited?
The ban targets “open burning” to prevent accidental ignitions that could quickly spiral out of control. Prohibited activities include:
Bonfires and campfires
Trash and yard waste burning
Other forms of outdoor incineration

What is Permitted?
To balance safety with daily life and professional land management, certain exceptions remain in place:

Cooking: The use of barbecue grills is still allowed.

Professional Management: State-authorized prescribed burns are exempt.

Regulated Events: Permitted public fireworks displays and commercial sales allowed under state law may proceed.

Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor heat sources. Local fire officials will continue to monitor the KBDI and weather forecasts closely.

The ban will remain in effect until soil moisture levels improve significantly and the wildfire risk subsides.