BREVARD COUNTY, FL. -- Due to the recent rains, the current mean average Drought Index for Brevard County has fallen below 450. As a result, the ban on open burning and the use of fireworks is no longer in effect.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index(KBDI) runs from zero, which is totally saturated, to 750-plus, which is desert-like conditions. The Brevard County KBDI average was 368 on April 18. The Board of County Commissioners, Brevard County Fire Rescue officials, Brevard County Emergency Management, and the Division of Forestry will continue to monitor conditions to determine the need for further bans.

Though the KBDI has dropped, there is still a potential for wildfires to develop. Brevard County Fire Rescue urges citizens to be aware of their surroundings when burning yard waste or using fireworks.

In order to reduce the risk of being affected by wildfire, residents are encouraged to create a defensible space of at least 30 feet around their homes by keeping grass mowed regularly and cutting away vegetation. Before burning, please check the forecast weather conditions first and never burn on days for which high winds or low humidity are forecast.