Leon County Extends Burn Ban Through May 15 as Exceptional Drought and Wildfire Risk Persist
Leon County has extended its temporary countywide burn ban through 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, as Exceptional Drought conditions continue across the region, and wildfire danger remains elevated throughout Florida.
“While parts of our region have received rainfall in recent days, drought conditions remain severe and wildfire danger continues across North Florida,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “We appreciate our first responders and residents for continuing to take this burn ban seriously. Their vigilance has helped protect lives, property, and natural resources. We will continue monitoring conditions closely alongside our public safety partners before making any changes to the ban.”
Vegetative yard waste drop-off at Rural Waste Service Centers
In response to yard waste accumulating at homes where residents have heeded the burn ban, Leon County Rural Waste Service Centers (RWSCs) will accept residential vegetative debris from unincorporated County residents with no volume limits for the duration of the ban.
RWSC hours and locations remain unchanged. For information on Rural Waste Service Center hours, locations and accepted materials, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/RWSC or contact Leon County Solid Waste at 850-606-1800.
Why the ban continues
Several fire-risk indicators drove the latest extension:
Exceptional drought conditions. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor release places 100% of Leon County in Exceptional Drought (D4), the most severe category on the five-tier scale. Exceptional Drought conditions also extend across surrounding counties in North Florida.
Critically dry conditions remain. Leon County has received more than a foot below its average rainfall since August 2025, leaving vegetation and forest fuels highly susceptible to ignition despite recent rainfall.
Elevated wildfire potential. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index for Leon County currently stands at 442. While lower than the previous cycle, the Florida Forest Service continues to associate those levels with increasing wildfire potential.
Statewide fire danger remains elevated. The Florida Forest Service rates fire danger at least Moderate across every county in Florida, with several counties at High and conditions trending upward statewide.
Active wildfires across North Florida. Wildfire incidents continue to threaten communities throughout the region, including a wildfire in Lafayette County that has burned more than 1,200 acres, according to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Weather conditions remain dry
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee forecasts additional chances for showers and thunderstorms across parts of the coming weekend; however, drought conditions are expected to persist across Florida through May, with gradual improvement beginning in June and July as wetter seasonal weather returns, according to the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook.
Regional burn bans remain widespread.
Every Florida county bordering Leon County — Gadsden, Jefferson, Wakulla, and Liberty — remains under a burn ban or similar restrictions. Statewide, 50 of Florida’s 67 counties have enacted burn bans or equivalent measures, according to the Florida Forest Service, as of Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Statewide wildfire activity
Florida continues to experience an active wildfire season. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, firefighters have responded to approximately 1,980 wildfires that have burned more than 120,515 acres statewide since January 1, 2026.
Under these conditions, a single escaped debris fire, discarded cigarette, or unattended campfire can quickly ignite dry vegetation and spread rapidly, threatening homes, businesses, and natural areas while straining firefighting resources across the region.
That is why the burn ban remains in effect.
What is prohibited
During the burn ban, all open burning in Leon County that is not specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service remains 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
Enforcement and ongoing review
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.
Residents who observe an unattended fire or signs of wildfire should call 9-1-1 immediately.
For more information on the burn ban, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/ei or contact Leon County Emergency Management at 850-606-3700.
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