🔥 Brevard Burn Ban Now Active; Protect Your Property
Countywide ban in effect today; learn how to create defensible space. 🛡️
Palm Bay, FL - Effective today, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, a countywide burn ban is in place for all of Brevard County, including Palm Bay. This measure comes in response to ongoing dry conditions and heightened wildfire risk, underscored by a recent vegetation fire in south Palm Bay.
Ban Triggered by Dry Conditions and Local Fire
Fire officials implemented the ban due to the increased danger of wildfires spreading rapidly in the current dry environment. A vegetation fire near St. Johns Heritage Parkway and Davis Lane on Monday highlighted this risk, with smoke visible from I-95. While that specific fire was contained without threatening homes, it serves as a reminder of the potential danger.
The ban prohibits all open burning unless specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service. This includes campfires, bonfires, burning yard debris, and trash. Standard barbecue grills used for cooking are typically exempt, but always verify current county rules.
Protect Your Home: Create Defensible Space
With the increased fire risk, taking steps to protect your property is essential. Creating "defensible space" significantly increases your home's chances of surviving a wildfire. This involves managing vegetation in zones around your house.
Zone 1: The Immediate Zone (0-5 Feet) 🔥
This area right next to your home is critical. Embers can easily ignite flammable materials here.
Use non-flammable ground cover like gravel or rocks instead of wood mulch.
Keep roofs and gutters clear of leaves and debris.
Move firewood, propane tanks, and other combustibles away from walls.
Screen vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh.
Zone 2: The Intermediate Zone (5-30 Feet) 🌳
Reduce fuels and create breaks in vegetation in this zone.
Keep lawns mowed short (4 inches) and watered.
Remove dead plants, leaves, and branches.
Prune lower tree limbs 6-10 feet from the ground to remove 'ladder fuels' – vegetation that allows fire to climb from the ground into the tree canopy.
Space out trees and shrubs; avoid dense groupings.
Zone 3: The Extended Zone (30-100+ Feet) 🌲
Further reduce the overall fuel load if your property extends this far.
Thin trees to increase space between canopies.
Clear heavy ground litter like fallen leaves and pine needles.
Keep areas around sheds or other outbuildings clear.
Taking these steps creates a buffer that slows fire spread and gives firefighters a safer area to work if needed.
Call-to-Action: Stay informed about the burn ban status via the official Brevard County Emergency Management website or social media. For more detailed guidance on creating defensible space, consult resources from the Florida Forest Service or the national Firewise USA® program.
Adhering to the burn ban and maintaining defensible space are crucial actions for protecting our community during this dry season.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.