County-enacted burn bans cover most of Florida as drought conditions spread.
Burn bans are typically issued when conditions increase the risk for wildfires, and 2026 has been a “very active wildfire season,” said Tim Brown, communications manager with the Florida Forest Service, via phone Feb. 25.
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More than 1,000 wildfires have burned more than 41,500 acres across Florida since Jan. 1. It’s the worst it’s been in over a decade,” Brown said.
Here’s what you should know.
Map: See current burn bans in Florida
Can’t see the map? Open in a new browser.
What is a burn ban?
The Florida Forest Service tries combines all county-enacted burn bans on its website.
A burn ban typically prohibits the outside burning of yard trash and vegetation, as well as campfires, bonfires and burn barrels, but can vary by county.
➤ Current Florida fire danger map
When is a burn ban issued?
Burn bans are issued when there’s a high risk for wildfires and include such conditions as:
What is the Keetch-Byram Drought Index?
The Florida Forest Service and U.S. Forest Service use the Keetch-Byram Drought Index to measure the risk of wildfires based on soil moisture, how dry fuel is, and precipitation.
The scale ranges from 0 to 800, with 0 indicating saturated soil and 800 representing extreme drought with a high potential for “intense, deep-burning fires.”
Weather alerts issued in Florida
Map: Current drought conditions in Florida
Will it rain anytime soon in Florida? See the radar
How to protect your home from wildfires
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Division of Forestry recommend creating “defensible space” around your home to help protect it from wildfires.
➤ Daytona wildfire forces evacuation of 80 homes
“By properly maintaining your landscape and allowing at least 30 feet of space around your home, you can reduce potential wildfire hazards.”
Here are more tips:
Within 30 feet of your home
30-60 feet from your home
60-100 feet from your home
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Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://news-journalonline.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Map shows Florida counties under burn bans. Tips to protect your home
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
