A proposed drought-fueled burn ban got a somewhat chilly reception from the County Commission on April 25, mainly because commissioners fear it would interfere with 4th of July fireworks sales and displays.
At the meeting, Brevard Fire Rescue asked for a permanent burn ban when a fire index reaches a certain level. The request follows Gov. Rick Scott’s declaration of a temporary burn ban to minimize brush fires. More than 100 fires have erupted statewide during the current drought, including four in Brevard County.
Clerk of Court Scott Ellis said the drought affects the barrier island beaches below Melbourne Beach where a lot of dry scrub can act as a tinderbox. “Plus, there are no fire hydrants” in most places, he said.
The ban would kick in when the Florida Forest Service’s Keetch Byram Drought Index reached 500, rather than the current standard of 700. A higher number means conditions are drier and the risk of fire greater.
“The KBI runs as high as 750-plus, but you can’t wait until those extreme conditions are in place to establish a burn ban,” said county spokesman Don Walker.
The lower index trigger mirrors what is happening statewide. “We would be in line with surrounding counties at 500,” Brevard Fire Chief Mark Schollmeyer said. “We’re also in line with other agencies across the state.”
Despite safety concerns, the commission tabled the chief’s request. The sticking point for some commissioners was the impact a permanent ban would have on fireworks sales, especially on holidays like July 4 and New Year’s Eve.
“I cannot support putting people out of business,” Commissioner John Tobia said.
Commission Chair Curt Smith also expressed sympathy with fireworks businesses. “I marvel that two days a year they do so well. At the same time caution is a motivator for me. If the ban saves folks from a fire, it’s worth it. There’s nothing more devastating than losing a life.”
Schollmeyer said fireworks can “absolutely cause a fire during July 4th,” but added that nothing in the proposed ordinance would affect public fireworks displays.
He also pointed out, “The general public cannot purchase fireworks without signing a paper at the fireworks store saying that they will be using them for agricultural purposes.” Such purposes include frightening birds from agricultural works and fish hatcheries.
In support of the ordinance, Commissioner Jim Barfield said, “I think we should err on the side of being safe.”
Commissioner Kristine Isnardi said she had issues with the permanent status of the ban. “If it’s just during dry season, I’d vote for it.”
In the end, commissioners asked Schollmeyer to come back with KBI numbers from last July 4 and Jan. 1 to see what the drought index was then compared to now.
