JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — City officials have issued an immediate burn ban across Duval County as dangerous wildfire conditions continue to intensify due to extreme drought and weather conditions.
The City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department announced the ban April 30, prohibiting all open burning until further notice. Fire Chief Percy Golden II invoked authority under municipal code to implement the emergency measure, citing elevated risks to life and property.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the area, signaling critical fire weather conditions. Officials said Jacksonville is currently experiencing its driest period on record since 1872, with the Keetch-Byram Drought Index at 594 out of 800 — a level indicating vegetation and soil are extremely dry and highly flammable.
“JFRD is ready,” Golden said. “Our crews are trained, our equipment is staged, and we are monitoring conditions closely. What we need right now is for our community to do its part. One spark in this environment can become a crisis very quickly.”
Mayor Donna Deegan urged residents to comply with the ban.
“This is a straightforward ask. Don’t burn,” Deegan said. “It’s the best thing residents can do right now to protect their family, their neighbors, and the firefighters who are working hard to keep Jacksonville safe.”
In response to the conditions, the Duval County Emergency Operations Center has moved to a Level 2 partial activation to focus resources on wildfire risk and coordination efforts.
Under the ban, all open burning is prohibited, including residential fires, bonfires, fireworks and commercial land clearing burns. Limited exceptions may be granted only with approval from the fire chief.
Cooking with enclosed grills or smokers and certain industrial flaring operations are still permitted.
Violations can result in fines, with penalties up to $8,000 for commercial violations and up to $250 for residential violations. Each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate offense.
Officials are asking residents to report violations. During business hours, reports can be made through the city’s MyJax system or by calling 904-630-CITY. After hours, residents can contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 904-630-0500.
More information is available at jaxready.com/wildfire.