Indian River County originally issued a county-wide burn ban, effective at 8:00 am on April 8, 2023. “We had hoped the forecasted rain would bring relief to critically dry areas, but it just hasn’t materialized,” said Dave Johnson, Emergency Services Director.
“The threat of wildfires continues despite the rain showers over the past few days,” said Johnson. “Therefore, it is necessary to extend the Burn Ban.”
The Emergency Order, signed by Interim County Administrator Mike Zito, will go into effect at 8:00 am tomorrow, April 15, 2023, and extend through 8:00 am, April 22, 2023, or until further order.
“The ongoing threat to public health, safety, and welfare of our citizens is the primary consideration when calling for the declaration of a local emergency,” said Johnson.
The county-wide order prohibits all outdoor burning that the Florida Forestry Service has not specifically permitted. It also bans all outdoor burning of yard trash, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, chimeneas, and cooking fires unless 1) authorized by the Florida Forest Service, or 2) it is for the cooking of food exclusively within a gas or charcoal grill.
Additionally, setting fires to any grass, brush, or forest-covered land is prohibited unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service.
