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Charlotte County rescinds burn ban as drought indices improve
Summary
Public Safety Director Jason Fair showed improved drought indexes and neighboring counties rescinding bans; the board unanimously rescinded Charlotte County's burn ban while noting small dry pockets remain in western areas.
Charlotte County commissioners unanimously voted June 10 to rescind the county’s burn ban after receiving an update from Public Safety and the fire chief showing substantially improved drought-index readings and precipitation outlooks.
Fire Chief Jason Fair presented current KB‑Drought Index maps comparing February conditions — when the ban was imposed — to recent readings that show substantially lower drought indices in most of the county. Fair said parts of the county, particularly east of I‑75, have seen above‑average rainfall and that neighboring counties (Lee, Sarasota and Collier) have either rescinded or signaled plans to rescind bans.
Commissioners asked whether localized dry pockets in west Charlotte required continued restrictions; Fair said the areas of severe dryness make up about 1% of the county footprint and that resources can be concentrated there if needed. After questions, the board voted to rescind the ban and directed staff to continue monitoring conditions and coordinate with fire districts.
