On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Lee County enacted a burn ban for unincorporated Lee County and municipalities. The county’s press release stated
“The county’s ordinance bans “outdoor burning ignition sources,” including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food and backyard fire rings are not included. Officials ask all county residents to be mindful of dry conditions and to use good judgment to mitigate potential for significant wildfires.
The Florida Forest Service offers residents information and tips at:
For the county to enact a burn ban, certain conditions must be met, including a Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) that reached or exceeds a value of 600. Lee’s index value Tuesday afternoon was a mean average of 600 out of 800. The county also coordinates with the Lee County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Florida Forest Service, both of which support the ban.
This ban does not apply to prescribed burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service, authorized public fireworks displays permitted by Lee County and other government agencies, and fireworks sales authorized by state laws.”
The Town of Fort Myers Beach will be following this burn ban. The Town asks its residents to be mindful of the increasingly warm temperatures, high winds, and dry conditions.