Wildfires

Burn Ban No Longer In Effect.

A county-wide burn ban, in effect since March 28, 2023, has been lifted as a result of recent and forecast rainfall. This precipitation has lowered the drought index. However, please stay vigilant and be mindful of the laws when burning outdoors as dry conditions remain throughout Seminole County.

Wildfires are higher risk to those who live in rural areas and along the urban/wildland interface.  Burn Bans are issued each season to prevent fires from damaging homes and endangering individuals. Every year many acres of land and homes are destroyed by wildfires that can spark from anything such as a cigarette butt thrown out of a car window to lightning strikes.

Wildfires are a fact of life while living in Florida but there are measures that can be taken to protect your home and property.

• Remove any dead or dying vegetation around your home which can become potential fuel for a wildfire.
• Keep any firewood stacked away from the house.
• Keep a buffer zone or “defensible space” of 30 feet from your home by keeping flammable materials such as brush piles out of this zone.
• Trees inside of the defensible space should be trimmed with their branches no less than 10 feet above the ground.
• Keep grass and weeds maintained properly.
• Talk to your landscaper about fire resistant vegetation that you can use in your landscaping.
• Recycle yard waste through mulch and compost rather than burning.
• Keep a ladder capable of accessing your roof in an easily accessible place.

Important Resources

• Florida Forest Service — Current Weather - Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI)
• Brochure — Tips to Help Protect Your Property
• Brochure — Tips to Help Protect Your Property — Spanish Version
• Why do Prescribed Burns?
• Have a Supply Kit in Case of a Wildfire
• Brochure — Know the Law Before Burning Outdoors
• Video — Know the Law Before Burning Outdoors
• Burn Permit Requests and Questions
• Burn Yard Waste Safely

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Bans