Leon County Declares Local State of Emergency, Issues Temporary Countywide Burn Ban
Leon County has declared a Local State of Emergency and issued a temporary countywide burn ban due to ongoing extreme drought conditions. The action is intended to reduce the fire risk countywide and protect lives and property.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the extreme drought conditions we are facing, this temporary burn ban is an essential step to protect lives, homes, and property across Leon County,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “We are asking everyone to do their part by following this guidance so our first responders can best keep our community safe during these conditions.”
The burn ban takes effect at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, and remains in place through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, unless extended or rescinded by subsequent action.
What Is Prohibited
During the burn ban, all open burning in Leon County that is not specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service is prohibited, including but not limited to:
- Burning of yard debris such as leaves, branches, and other vegetative waste
- Land-clearing fires, brush piles, and similar site-preparation burns
- Campfires, bonfires, fire pits, and similar recreational or ceremonial fires, on public or private property
- Burning of household trash, construction debris, or other solid waste
- Use of burn barrels or similar devices for outdoor burning
What Is Still Allowed
The burn ban does not prohibit:
- Use of gas, propane, charcoal, or electric grills and smokers for cooking, as long as they are attended and fully extinguished after use
- Indoor fireplaces, wood stoves, or similar appliances used inside a structure in accordance with applicable codes
- Burns conducted or expressly authorized by the Florida Forest Service, including permitted agricultural or land-clearing burns that follow all state laws and permit conditions
- Firefighting, emergency, or training activities conducted by or under the direction of Leon County, the City of Tallahassee Fire Department, or the Florida Forest Service
Violations of the temporary burn ban may be subject to enforcement under applicable County ordinances and state law, including fines and other penalties as provided by law.
Leon County Emergency Management will continue to coordinate with the Florida Forest Service and local fire services to monitor fire danger and drought conditions. The burn ban may be adjusted or lifted in accordance with technical recommendations from fire experts.
A copy of the signed Local Emergency Proclamation can be found online on the County's Emergency Information Portal.
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