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Fire chief warns of rising wildfire risk; county burn ban expected
Summary
Palm Coast Fire Chief briefed council on increasing wildfire risk, rising drought indices and near‑term preparedness steps; staff said a countywide burn ban is expected and urged residents to create defensible space and reduce outdoor ignition risks.
The Palm Coast fire chief warned council that wildfire risk in Flagler County is increasing and that the county is expected to adopt a burn ban as early as the following day.
Chief Kyle Berryhill told council the Keetch‑Byram Drought Index (KBDI) — a measure of soil moisture that indicates wildfire susceptibility — was near 489 on the day of the workshop, placing the county in a heightened risk category. Chief Berryhill said the Florida Forest Service has elevated readiness statewide and that Flagler County will likely announce a countywide burn ban to limit open burning, fireworks and other outdoor ignition sources.
The fire chief asked residents to take immediate steps to reduce risk: clear flammable pine straw and debris from gutters, maintain defensible space around structures, avoid outdoor burning and practice safe grill and equipment use. The department said it will publish best‑practice guidance through city social media channels and urged homeowners and homeowners associations to act now to reduce ignition sources.
City staff also noted operational steps. The utilities department is monitoring water demand and called some high‑use customers to reduce watering schedules so distribution pressure is preserved during peak demand, staff said. Chief Berryhill added that partner agencies (Flagler County, Florida Forest Service) are coordinating readiness and that the fire department stands prepared to increase staffing and mutual‑aid resources if wildfire activity escalates.
Ending: Staff and the fire department asked council to publicize the expected burn ban, to share wildfire‑prevention tips with neighborhoods, and to expect additional briefings if conditions worsen.
