For everybody else, please be aware of the very dry conditions. A statewide ban on outdoor burning that prohibits residents from starting any fires outside, except for barbecues, is in effect. And even with barbecues, Albury said, people should be careful. He could not be reached for figure on the amount spent to date. The fire readiness level incorporates a number of conditions, Worley said, including rainfall, moisture and humidity levels, as well as the amount of ignitable undergrowth on the ground.
Officials also refer to the state drought index.
The index measures the amount of water contained in the top 3 feet of soil, Weller said. If an area hits 700 on the scale, that means there is only 1 inch of water below the surface. The driest measure is 800. Pinellas is the state's driest county with a 748 rating. Citrus is second driest at 746.