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 24, at 5 p.m., protecting the community as severe drought conditions and escalating wildfire activity continue throughout Florida and the Big Bend region.
"This drought is not improving — it is getting worse. Every county that borders Leon now has its own burn ban in place, and nearly 1,700 wildfires have burned close to 100,000 acres across Florida this year," said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. "I want to thank our first responders who continue to put themselves in harm's way in extremely dangerous conditions, and our residents for their patience as we work through this. We will lift this ban as soon as fire experts tell us 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:
98.99 percent of Florida is experiencing drought conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with the Big Bend region, including the entirety of Leon County, classified in Exceptional (D4) drought, representing 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.
Nearly 1,700 wildfires statewide have burned nearly 100,000 acres since Jan. 1, 2026, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Twenty-nine of Florida's 67 counties are now under active burn bans, according to FDACS, including every Big Bend county surrounding Leon.
Governor Ron DeSantis' Executive Order 26-33, declaring a statewide wildfire emergency, has been in effect since Feb. 9, 2026, was extended by Executive Order 26-80 on April 10, 2026, for an additional 60 days;
No significant rainfall is forecast for the region over the next seven to 10 days.
National Weather Service Outlook: Fire danger elevated through Monday
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, an extended period of elevated to critical fire danger will impact the region Saturday through Monday. The NWS reports that new fires are expected to spread rapidly, with Monday posing the greatest risk.
Saturday, April 18: NWS forecasts near-record heat, relative humidity of 25 to 30 percent and winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 20 mph. The agency says localized areas of critical fire danger are possible.
Sunday, April 19: NWS reports a mostly dry cold front will bring stronger winds near 15 mph with gusts of 20 to 25 mph. Rainfall is expected to be less than a tenth of an inch, which the agency says will not reduce fire danger. NWS notes conditions will remain elevated overnight due to poor humidity recovery.
Monday, April 20: NWS identifies this as the most critical day, with very dry air dropping humidity to 15 to 20 percent, locally lower. Combined with record-dry fuels from the ongoing drought, the agency warns that even moderate wind gusts near 15 mph will create critical fire conditions.
NWS indicates fire concerns will ease slightly through the rest of the week as low-level moisture increases, though elevated fire danger will remain most afternoons absent meaningful rainfall.
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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