BARTOW, Fla. — Polk County leaders are urging the public to follow its countywide burn ban after experiencing a recent uptick in brush fires.
The burn ban went into effect Nov. 25 and applies to the municipalities of Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland and Winter Haven.
Since then, Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith said crews have seen most brush fires south of U.S. 60, with some emergency calls coming from parts of Lakeland. That includes a fire at a home on Lunn Woods Drive last Thursday.
Firefighters were dispatched at 2:14 p.m. and arrived on scene minutes later to find the brush fire quickly spreading to a house. Two other structures on the property were already fully involved. Another structure and a semitrailer on an adjacent property were partially involved.
The homeowner, retired Polk County Fire engineer Tony Trupiano, suffered a minor injury and was treated on scene.
Smith said the brush fire is just one of 72 fires crews have responded to since the middle of last week — 30 of them on Sunday alone. Smith and other county commissioners are pointing to extremely dry conditions as the reason for the rise in fires.
“I have lived in Polk County all my life, and this is probably one of the driest seasons I have seen yet,” County Commissioner Rick Wilson said.
“It’s dry out there. It’s prime for fire conditions, and we will do our best — we will be the best at putting these fires out and protecting life and property. But we do need some help,” Smith said.
Smith said several of the fires started from illegal burning. That’s why leaders say it is crucial for the community to follow the countywide burn ban.
The ban prohibits bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard and household trash, burning of organic debris and noncommercial burning of materials other than for religious or ceremonial purposes.
Violators could face a fine of up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail. So far, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says it has fined more than 20 people.
Alexis Jones
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