County Extends Burn Ban, New Florida Forest Service Restrictions

After reviewing Alachua County's current wildland fire conditions and in consultation with the Florida Forest Service (FFS), the mandatory countywide burn ban has been extended and will remain in effect through Feb. 13, 2026.

Additionally, from the state, through the FFS, no permits will be issued for any broadcast (acreage/land-clearing) burning in a county with a burn ban in effect. The FFS itself will not be conducting any burns.

Several factors, including area weather conditions, are utilized to determine the activation and deactivation of countywide burn bans. Two of those factors are the KBDI and FDI scores.

• Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) - estimates the dryness of the soil and duff layers
• Fire Danger Indices (FDI) - potential for a fire to start and require suppression activities
  

These conditions are becoming dangerous as indicated by the extremely high Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for this time of the year, and there appears to be no relief from rain anytime soon.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Alachua County's KBDI value has increased to the range of 550-599, which places the county at risk for wildland fire spread.

The countywide burn ban prohibits all types of unpermitted and/or non-exempted open incineration where the burning of any matter results in the products of combustion being emitted directly into the outdoor atmosphere without passing through a stack or chimney. This includes, but is not limited to, campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard and household trash, burning of construction debris, burning of organic debris, and igniting of fireworks.

Exemptions include:

• Use of barbeque grills or barbeque pits where the total fuel area does not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
• Any other activity for which a valid state open burn authorization has been issued by the Florida Forest Service, Department of Environmental Protection, or the City of Gainesville.

Any unauthorized burning within the county during the imposed ban will be in violation of Alachua County Ordinance Number 362.50 as codified under Article III of the Alachua County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 252 of Florida Statutes.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be liable for all damages caused by such violation, which damages shall be recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction, as well as the costs associated with suppressing and extinguishing the fire. Liability for the costs of suppression may extend to the person, firm, or corporation causing, directing, or permitting the activity, as well as the actual violator.

For more information, contact Alachua County Fire Rescue at 352-384-3101.

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