As of 4/28/2026 there is a burn ban in effect for all of Orange County.  As a result, flying turbine aircraft and model rockets is prohibited at the field.  Driving over the grass areas of the field is also prohibited.

Burn Ban – This site is operated by Orange County and is probably the best source of burn ban status.  There is an explanation of what a burn ban is and how it is implemented.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

Orange County Burn Ban Ordinance

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved a burn ban ordinance in February of 2018. The ordinance replaced the need for the Mayor to issue a declaration of emergency. A burn ban means that Orange County residents will not be able to have any open fires of any types, including camp fires, bonfires, yard and trash burning, etc. There are some exemptions to this rule, including firework displays that are properly permitted, cooking on barbeque grills or pits as described in Section 18-4, Orange County Code, or any other valid state or county authorized burn.

What is a Burn Ban?

When the local drought index meets or exceeds 500, Orange County automatically institutes a burn ban. The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted. The ban is applicable within the unincorporated territory of Orange County. However, municipalities within Orange County may provide notice of exclusion in writing to the Orange County Fire Marshal’s Office. Outdoor burning authorized by the Florida Forest Service is not affected by this ban.

How do I know there is a Burn Ban in Effect?

In the event that the drought index meets or exceeds 500, Orange County will announce the implementation of a Burn Ban through local news media, social media and the Orange County website.

When will a Burn Ban be Lifted?

A burn ban will automatically lift after the drought index falls below 500 for seven consecutive days. This announcement will be made by Orange County through local news media, social media and the Orange County website.

These rules reference the local drought index.  This is a rating determined as the KBDI rating.  The Florida Forestry Service maintains a daily report of this index by county.  Orange County uses this report to determine the status of any burn bans.  The site claims that the data is updated daily.

Florida Forest Service - Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI)

The index to look at is in the KBDI Values by County table in the KBDI column.

Note that, in order to lift the ban, the drought index must be below 500 for 7 consecutive days as stated.  However, when I spoke with the Orange County FD representative, she said they don’t always follow this part of the rule, but I can call them anytime to verify.  So, it all still remains somewhat confusing and subjective.

Another site that can be used for reference is the Florida Forest Service.

Florida Forest Service Burn Ban Public Dashboard.  This site may not be as up to date as the others.

RCACF will monitor these sites during the drought season and keep our notifications and restrictions as up to date as possible.