§ 10-76. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used herein, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except that any terms herein which are defined in Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, shall have the same meanings as expressed in such chapter, as may be amended from time to time. Words used in the present tense include the future, and include both singular and plural forms.

Herbaceous stage must be estimated on an observation and judgment basis. It represents the curing condition of vegetation such as grass, weeds, or ferns in the rating area, whether in the forest; or on its perimeter, or in openings. For estimating purposes, as a suggestion, vegetation is considered cured when 75 percent or more of it is dead or dormant, in transition when between 25 and 75 percent is dead or dormant, and green when less than 25 percent is dead or dormant.

Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI)

0—200 - For the most part, represents ideal conditions for prescribed fire work. Soil moisture levels are high. Nearly all organic matter duff and associated litter layers are left intact. Patches of unburned fuel can be expected with most fuel types and give a mosaic pattern of burn and unburned fuels over the burn unit. Fuel moisture is high enough so that downed material greater than 1 inch diameter is generally not consumed. Mop up is minimal.

200—400 - Expect these conditions to occur in early fall and into the winter: Litter layers and duff begin to show signs of water loss and contribute to fire intensity. Expect an increase in fuel consumption as the index moves into the upper end of the range. Heavier dead downed fuels greater than 2—3 inches diameter now become part of the burn process. Sufficient fire intensity is achieved to carry fire across the burn area. Expect smoldering and creeping to continue through the night.

400—600 - Entering the upper range for implementing most prescribed burning. Very intense fires can be generated with burns ignited in this range of conditions. Most duff and associated organic matter is sufficiently dry to ignite, actively burn, and contribute to fire intensity. Control problems from spotting should be expected. Complete consumption of large dead downed fuels will occur. Fuels not consumed may smolder for several days and create smoke and control problems.

600—800 - Represents the most severe drought conditions identified within the index and results from an extended period of little or no precipitation and high daytime temperatures. There may be exceptional cases that justify prescribed burning in this range. Managers should consider this range as the limit by which authorizations are granted.

(Ord. No. 2014-28, § 3, 4-21-14)