Sarasota County’s burn ban was lifted June 6 after the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) fell below 500 for seven consecutive days.
As of June 10, the County’s KBDI was 300 to 399, and the Drought Severity and Coverage Index was 300.
The ban was put in place on Mar. 26 due to severe drought conditions. Residents couldn’t start open fires of any kind during this period.
There were exceptions to the ban, such as public fireworks rendered by permitted pyrotechnic contractors, most barbeque grill/pit use, and any activity that was an exception under Sarasota County Code, Sec. 54-116.
An increase in rainfall may have contributed to the KBDI decrease. Sarasota County saw 4.23 inches of rain from June 1-7.
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