Leon County Extends Burn Ban as Exceptional Drought Persists Across Region
Leon County has extended its local state of emergency and countywide burn ban, originally declared on March 27. The extension will remain in effect through Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m., protecting the community as severe drought conditions and escalating wildfire activity continue throughout Florida and the Big Bend region.
"Fire risk is not a forecast — it is here and it is now,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. "More than Twenty-five of Florida's 67 counties are under active burn bans. Our neighbors are already extending their bans. I want to thank our residents for their patience and attention to this ban, and our first responders for their continued service in these dangerous conditions. We will continue to work with fire experts and monitor changing conditions, and we will lift the ban as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Why the extension
Since the original declaration on March 27, fire risk conditions across Florida have continued to intensify:
One hundred percent of Florida is experiencing drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with the Big Bend region classified in Exceptional (D4) drought — the worst conditions in more than 20 years.
Leon County has received more than a foot below its average rainfall since August 2025, leaving the landscape critically dry.
More than 1,500 wildfires statewide have burned more than 90,000 acres since Jan. 1, 2026. Twenty-four of Florida's 67 counties are now under active burn bans, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Governor Ron DeSantis' Executive Order 26-33, declaring a statewide wildfire emergency, has been in effect since Feb. 9.
No significant rainfall is forecast for the region over the next seven to 10 days.
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
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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