Jacksonville officials are urging residents to avoid all outdoor burning due to severe drought and an increased risk of wildfires in Duval County. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), along with Mayor Donna Deegan and Fire Chief Golden II, addressed the public on the heightened fire danger.
Under Jacksonville Municipal Code Section 420.201, outdoor burning is prohibited without a permit throughout the year. Only limited activities—such as small campfires for recreation, cooking fires for outdoor food preparation, and warming fires for outdoor workers—are allowed without a permit, provided they do not produce excessive smoke.
JFRD is strongly discouraging even these permitted activities because of current dry conditions. “Due to the current severe drought and elevated wildfire risk, JFRD strongly discourages all outdoor burning, even activities that would normally be allowed,” officials stated.
Fire pits fall under the same restrictions as other outdoor fires. Small recreational fires in a fire pit may be allowed without a permit, but JFRD recommends against their use at this time. Officials emphasized that leaves should never be burned and that any fire must be attended at all times.
Bonfires—defined as any outdoor fire larger than three feet in diameter—require a permit from JFRD under Section 420.202 of the municipal code. Requirements include maintaining at least 50 feet distance from structures, constant adult supervision until extinguished, and having water or a fire extinguisher available. However, “JFRD is strongly discouraging bonfire permits due to drought conditions and elevated wildfire risk.”
No formal burn ban has been issued by JFRD yet. However, authorities stressed that “outdoor burning is always prohibited without a permit,” and are advising against any type of open flame activity during this period of high risk.
Officials explained that Duval County’s severe drought has led to extremely dry vegetation and high winds, increasing the likelihood that fires could spread rapidly: “One spark can start a fire that spreads in minutes.” Residents who see smoke or an unattended fire are urged to call 911 immediately.
For land clearing or agricultural burns, residents must request authorization through city channels or contact the Florida Forest Service for additional requirements.
The City of Jacksonville operates as a consolidated city-county government serving its residents through various community programs and online tools such as emergency preparedness mobile applications according to its official website. Mayor Donna Deegan leads the city government as noted on the city’s site, which divides governance into 14 council districts for community input according to official information.
Officials concluded: “Outdoor burning is prohibited without a permit in Duval County. Even permitted fires are strongly discouraged right now. When in doubt, do not burn.”
