Lawns are crisp, woods are crunchy, and Brevard County remains under a countywide burn ban as the Keetch‑Byram drought index climbs into the 500s this week, leaving much of the Space Coast tinder‑dry. Officials warn that even a small spark can turn into a fast‑moving brush fire while the restriction is in place.
The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners banned open burning, including bonfires, campfires, and trash burning, in early May, according to Brevard County. Under an ordinance adopted in 2017, the ban automatically takes effect when the Keetch‑Byram Drought Index, or KBDI, reaches 500. The county release lists exceptions that include state‑authorized prescribed burns, barbecue grills, and permitted fireworks sales and displays.
KBDI readings and what they mean
The Keetch‑Byram Drought Index is a 0 to 800 scale used to estimate soil moisture and wildfire potential. This week, it jumped into the 500s, reaching 518 on Thursday, as reported by Spectrum News 13. Brevard County spokesperson Don Walker told Spectrum, “We started around 480 because we were already seeing brush fires down in the Palm Bay area,” and said that even if the index slips back below 500, it could still be several days before the ban is lifted.
Spectrum meteorologist Zach Covey urged residents to take the ban seriously, saying, “it is so important people follow burn bans because even the smallest of sparks can spark a major fire.” Spectrum News 13 also noted that the KBDI can climb roughly 10 points a day without steady rain, so conditions could worsen quickly if the dry streak keeps hanging on.
Where fires have been flaring up
Local reporting and county actions followed a series of brush fires that have flared in brushy tracts such as Palm Bay's “Compound,” prompting extra patrols and vegetation clearing. Coverage of those blazes and the county's response is available from local outlets, including Space Coast Daily.
How residents can reduce risk
For now, residents are urged to skip open burns, keep grills attended at all times, avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, and fully extinguish and properly dispose of smoking materials. For official updates and emergency alerts, sign up for AlertBrevard or check the county's Storm Center for guidance on when the burn ban may finally ease.
