MCFR Lifts Mandatory Burn Ban

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has officially lifted the mandatory countywide burn ban due to current weather conditions and improved environmental factors. The voluntary burn ban remains in effect countywide despite recent rainfall.

While the mandatory burn ban has been lifted, Marion County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service are strongly encouraging residents to follow a voluntary burn ban and avoid outdoor burning whenever possible. Conditions across the county remain dry, and caution is still necessary to prevent accidental wildfires.

Officials remind residents that lifting the burn ban does not mean outdoor burning is unrestricted. Any outdoor burning must still comply with Florida Forest Service regulations and Marion County safety requirements.

Residents choosing to burn yard debris should remember the following safety guidelines:

• Burning household trash is always illegal
• Fires must meet required setback distances from structures, roadways, and wildland areas
• Pile size limits apply
• Yard waste fires may only be ignited after 9 a.m. and must be fully extinguished before sunset
• Fires must be attended by a responsible adult at all times
• Smoke must not create a nuisance for neighbors or nearby roadways
• Wind conditions must be considered before and during any burning

Even small fires can quickly spread under dry or windy conditions. Marion County Fire Rescue encourages residents to use caution, monitor weather conditions, and consider alternative methods for yard debris disposal when possible. Citizens are encouraged to take yard waste to the Marion County Solid Waste collection points in lieu of burning.

Marion County Fire Rescue will continue to monitor weather conditions and wildfire risk throughout the county.

For more information on safe outdoor burning practices, residents can visit the Florida Forest Service's website or contact Marion County Fire Rescue at 352-291-8000.

About the Marion County Multi-Agency Wildland Fire Task Force
The Marion County Multi-Agency Wildland Task Force formed shortly before the unprecedented 1998 wildfire season. Over the last decade, firefighters and other public safety professionals from local city, county, state and federal agencies have met on a routine basis to discuss wildfire conditions, call load, manpower capabilities, wildfire tactics and public education campaigns.

The task force will meet frequently and keep citizens informed about any changes in wildfire conditions.