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Commissioners lift burn ban after rain and KBDI drops; vote 4–1
Summary
After receiving updated KBDI and forestry guidance, the board voted 4–1 to rescind the county burn ban; public‑safety director warned conditions could change and staff may return to reinstate restrictions if drought indicators worsen.
Charlotte County commissioners voted 4–1 to rescind the countywide burn ban on March 25 after staff reported recent rainfall improved drought and KBDI numbers.
Chief Matt McElroy, the county’s public safety director, told commissioners that the county’s KBDI value had fallen to about 4.49 and that neighboring counties were beginning to lift bans. "We spoke with forestry... we're doing this off of numbers that we have been told are safe for our community," McElroy said. He emphasized the decision could be revisited if dryer conditions return: "I might be back here in a month if we don't get any rain."
Commissioner Deutsch voted against rescinding the ban, saying he preferred waiting an additional week or two to be cautious. The motion carried 4–1, with the board recording the tally and asking staff to monitor conditions and return to the board if fire‑risk indices rise.
