Polk County commissioners voted Oct. 31 to lift the burn ban in unincorporated areas after receiving a drought status update and a recommendation from the county's forestry service.

The move followed a forestry recommendation that conditions permitted rescinding the restriction, though officials stressed that wind and low humidity remain concerns. "He was watching the wind. It's not about the lack of water. It's the wind and how quickly it's drying things up," said Ricky, a forestry service representative, summarizing the agency's assessment.

Commissioners noted that emergency management also monitors conditions and that both agencies provide "two sets of eyes" on fire risk. Officials said the ban could be reimposed immediately if forestry notifies the county that conditions have worsened. The meeting record states that an emergency burn ban would be re-declared "at any point in time" if forestry alerts the county to increased risk.

Commissioner Cassidy moved to adopt the forestry recommendation and lift the burn ban; Commissioner Dubose seconded the motion. The board called for the ayes and the motion carried.

After the vote, a commissioner asked that the notices announcing the end of the ban also warn residents that winds remain strong and that people who burn should take precautions, including keeping fires covered and monitored. Staff agreed to post a public notice emphasizing caution.

The decision was framed as conditional: officials said weather forecasts showed decreasing winds, cooler temperatures and a modest chance of rain in the near term, but they emphasized ongoing monitoring. The timeframe of the weather window was discussed during the meeting, with one participant noting a chance of rain late the next day but also saying little chance of measurable rain in the following week.

No statutory citations, ordinance numbers or specific readoption procedures were discussed on the record. Commissioners limited the action to lifting the ban based on the forestry recommendation and preserving the ability to reissue an emergency ban if warranted.