Jacksonville Lifts Emergency Burn Ban | Fire Safety

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department lifted its emergency burn ban effective immediately, Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II announced, following improved weather conditions and reduced wildfire risk across Northeast Florida.

The decision ends restrictions imposed under Jacksonville Municipal Code Section 420.202(e). Golden consulted with the National Weather Service, Florida Forest Service, and the Emergency Preparedness Division, which confirmed fire danger had dropped to low levels.

Recent rainfall raised humidity and lowered the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures soil moisture, below 450. "We made the decision carefully," Golden said. "The recent rain has helped, and we expect that trend to continue through June and July."

Golden cautioned that drought conditions persist in the region and JFRD will continue monitoring fire conditions.

The lifted ban does not change Jacksonville's year-round open burning regulations. Outdoor burning without a permit remains prohibited under Jacksonville Municipal Code Section 420.201.

Residents can monitor fire conditions and weather updates through JaxReady on social media or at JaxReady.com.