Florida Teacher Arrested After Backyard Fire Spreads to Five Acres During Active Burn Ban Amid Worsening Drought
FLORIDA — A backyard debris fire in Bartow spiraled out of control Sunday, spreading across approximately five acres and leading to the arrest of a local high school teacher as extreme drought conditions continue to grip much of the state.
Backyard Burn Quickly Escalates in Dry Conditions
According to authorities, the fire began Sunday, February 15, 2026, on Cox Road in Bartow. Investigators say the blaze was intentionally started to burn cardboard boxes and other debris in a backyard.
However, ongoing dry conditions allowed the flames to move beyond the intended burn area. What started as a small debris fire quickly expanded, eventually charring roughly five acres of land. Officials noted that the incident became one of more than 30 brush fires reported across Polk County that same day — underscoring how volatile conditions have become. Fire crews with Polk County Fire Rescue responded and worked to contain the blaze before it spread further.
Burn Ban and State of Emergency Already in Effect
The incident occurred while Polk County remains under a burn ban that has been in place since November 25, 2025. The restriction was implemented due to prolonged drought conditions that have left vegetation extremely dry and highly flammable.
Statewide, concerns have also intensified. Florida recently declared a State of Emergency tied to extreme drought conditions and increasing wildfire risk. Officials say such declarations are designed to speed up resource deployment and support firefighting efforts as fire threats grow.
Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized that the high number of fires reported Sunday highlights why burn restrictions are necessary during severe drought. Authorities continue to warn that even small, seemingly controlled burns can rapidly become dangerous when humidity is low and winds are unpredictable.
Teacher Faces Multiple Charges
Investigators identified the suspect as 57-year-old Brian Webster, a teacher at Bartow High School.
According to deputies, Webster told authorities he attempted to take precautions by burning debris inside an old refrigerator and monitoring the flames. He reportedly believed the fire was no longer a threat before it unexpectedly spread. When he realized the blaze had grown, Webster attempted to extinguish it, but officials say those efforts were unsuccessful.
Webster was arrested and booked into the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He faces multiple misdemeanor charges, including:
- Reckless land burning
- Burning during a State of Emergency
- Reckless or careless pollution
- Violating the county burn ban
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could follow.
Officials Urge Compliance as Drought Persists
With drought conditions persisting across large portions of Florida, authorities are again urging residents to strictly follow all burn bans and fire safety guidelines. Dry brush, low soil moisture, and windy conditions can create fast-moving fires that endanger homes, property, and lives.
Emergency officials stress that restrictions are not simply procedural — they are preventative measures meant to reduce the strain on firefighting resources and protect communities during high-risk periods. As Florida continues to battle worsening drought and elevated wildfire danger, law enforcement and fire agencies say compliance with burn bans remains critical.
Residents are encouraged to check with local authorities before conducting any outdoor burning and to report unattended or out-of-control fires immediately. For continued updates on public safety and severe weather developments, stay connected with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
