Jacksonville Lifts Emergency Burn Ban | Fire Safety

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department lifted its emergency burn ban effective immediately after recent rainfall and improved weather conditions reduced fire danger across Duval County.

Fire Chief Percy Golden II announced the decision following consultation with the National Weather Service, Florida Forest Service, and the Emergency Preparedness Division. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures soil moisture, fell below 450.

"Conditions have improved enough in Duval County that lifting the ban is the right call," Golden said. "We made the decision carefully, in consultation with our partners. The recent rain has helped."

The lifted ban does not change Jacksonville's year-round open burning regulations. Outdoor burning without a permit remains prohibited. Residents can burn small campfires for recreation and cooking fires for outdoor food preparation, provided they produce minimal smoke.

Yard waste, leaves, and brush burning remain illegal. Bonfires larger than three feet in diameter require permits from JFRD and must be at least 50 feet from any structure, constantly attended by an adult, and equipped with a garden hose or fire extinguisher. The Florida Forest Service must authorize agricultural burning.

Residents can apply for bonfire permits at myjfrd.com/permits/bonfire-permits or contact the Environmental Quality Division at [email protected] or 904-255-7120 for land clearing permits.