news release

“The threat of wildfires continues despite the rain showers over the past few days, said Dave Johnson, Emergency Services Director.  Therefore, it is necessary to extend the ‘Burn Ban.”

Indian River County originally issued a county-wide burn ban, effective at 8:00 am on April 8^th.  “We had hoped the forecasted rain would bring relief to critically dry areas, but it just hasn’t materialized, said Johnson. 

“The ongoing threat to public health, safety and welfare of our citizens is the primary consideration when calling for the declaration of a local emergency,” added Johnson.

The Emergency Order, signed by Interim County Administrator Mike Zito, will go into effect at 8:00 am tomorrow, April 15, 2023 and extend through 8:00 am, April 22, 2023, or until further order.

The county-wide Order prohibiting all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the

Florida Forestry Service.  It also bans all outdoor burning of yard trash, household paper products,

bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, chimeneas, and cooking fires unless, 1)

authorized by the Florida Forest Service, or 2) it is for the cooking of food exclusively within a gas or

charcoal grill.  Additionally, the setting ​of fires to any grass, brush, or forest-covered land, is prohibited

unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service.