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Polk County officials reinstated a ban burn effective Wednesday, May 6.
The previous burn ban which began November 25, 2025, and was suspended on April 17, 2026, was the longest in the county’s history, lasting 134 days. At the time of the suspension Polk County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Shawn Smith warned the long-term outlook was not was favorable.
“We understand that burn bans are inconvenient, but we ask you to think of your family, friends and neighbors as a small spark or stray ember could quickly transform into a large fire because of these dry conditions,” Smith said in a press release.
The burn ban prohibits:
- Campfires
- Bonfires
- Unpermitted controlled burns
- Burning of yard and household trash
- Burning of organic debris
- Igniting of fireworks
- Noncommercial burning of materials, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, which is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit — total fuel area cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height
“Many officials across the county and I have kept track of the countywide KBDI, and we have determined that a burn ban is necessary as conditions have deteriorated to an unsafe level,” said Smith.
Anyone who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban shall be in violation of Polk County Ordinance 08-015 and can be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both.
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