Jacksonville Lifts Emergency Burn Ban | Fire Safety

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department lifted its emergency burn ban effective immediately following improved weather conditions and recent rainfall across Duval County, Fire Chief Percy Golden II announced.

The decision ends restrictions under Jacksonville Municipal Code Section 420.202(e). Golden consulted with the National Weather Service, Florida Forest Service, and the Emergency Preparedness Division. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures moisture deficits in topsoil, fell below 450, indicating low fire danger across Northeast Florida.

"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 at the National Weather Service, Florida Forest Service, and Emergency Preparedness Division."

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 may have small campfires for recreation, cooking fires for outdoor food preparation, and warming fires without permits, provided they produce minimal smoke.

Burning yard waste, leaves, or brush remains illegal in Duval County. Bonfires larger than three feet in diameter require permits from JFRD, must be at least 50 feet from structures, and must be attended by a responsible adult until extinguished. Residents can apply for bonfire permits at myjfrd.com/permits/bonfire-permits.

Agricultural burning requires authorization from Florida Forest Service. Land clearing debris burning requires permits from the Environmental Quality Division at [email protected] or 904-255-7120.