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Commission rescinds county burn ban after recent rains and lower drought index
Summary
After reviewing current drought indices and regional conditions, the commission voted unanimously to lift the county burn ban. Fire chief Jason Fair presented drought indices and neighboring counties' actions before the board approved rescission.
The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on June 10 to rescind the county’s burn ban following recent rainfall and improved drought index values.
Public Safety Director and Fire Chief Jason Fair presented drought‑index maps and data during the meeting, comparing conditions from February 24 (when the ban was imposed) to current values. Fair said the county’s current composite drought index was lower than in February and highlighted that neighboring Sarasota and Lee counties had already rescinded burn bans; he noted Lee’s index at 482 and Sarasota’s at 420 on the county’s scale during his briefing. Fair also explained that small pockets along the western coast still show drier conditions but that the overall county index supported lifting the ban.
Following the presentation, a motion to rescind the prohibition passed unanimously. County staff and the fire chief said they will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions if the situation changes.
Ending
The burn ban rescission is effective as of the June 10 meeting; county fire and emergency staff will maintain situational awareness and alert the board if conditions deteriorate.
