Visit https://seminolecounty.sgssys.info/departments-services/emergency-management/hazard-preparedness/wildfires for announcements and updates and monitor Seminole County Government's social media channels and your local media outlets. You may also call the Florida Forest Service at 407-888-8760 with questions regarding burning regulations and bans. 

Seminole County Fire Department has special equipment and undergoes ongoing training to deal with the risk of wildfires, especially in areas known as the wildland/urban interface — where wildland borders or intermingles with residences. 

The department has strategically placed Brush and Woods trucks at eight fire stations in areas susceptible to wildfires or within wildland/urban interfaces. The units include specialized tools and equipment to help firefighters create fire line breaks to stop fires from progressing. In addition, water tankers, which hold thousands of gallons of water, are stationed throughout the County. This equipment enables the Seminole County Fire Department to bring in its own water supply in areas where no hydrants exist or an alternative water supply is needed.

Incident commanders are trained in the strategies and tactics required to protect structures from fast-moving wildfires, and all Seminole County Fire Department firefighters participate in Wildland Firefighter training.

Furthermore, the Seminole County Fire Department regularly partners with the Florida Forest Service to deploy coordinated responses for large wildfires. 

Above ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills, however, are permitted for use. Ensure charcoals are extinguished upon completion of cooking when using grills. Barrel-type barbecue smokers are also allowed, as this is not considered “open burning.” However, you should avoid these outdoor cooking methods if in close proximity to heavily wooded areas.

Yes. The ban is applicable within the unincorporated and incorporated areas of Seminole County. 

• Be aware that simple actions such as tossing a cigarette into the grass or idling a vehicle over grass can ignite a brush fire.
• If you see open burning occurring, respectfully request the person responsible for the burning to extinguish the fire immediately or call 9-1-1 so the Seminole County Fire Department can assist in doing so safely, if needed.

• Create a 30-foot area of “defensible” — clean and green — space around your home
• Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and back yard
• Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters
• Have an Emergency Plan and an emergency kit packed in case an evacuation is ordered, especially if your home is near wildlands
• Monitor Seminole County’s social media and local media for updates on road closures, smoke conditions and other hazards
• Use extreme caution when grilling, camping and discarding cigarettes
• Call 9-1-1 if you see smoke or fire in your area
• Register with Alert Seminole at www.AlertSeminole.org to ensure you receive emergency alerts regarding significant events

To report violation of the Burn Ban, please call the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 407-665-6650 or call 9-1-1 if you believe burning is an imminent threat. 

Any person who violates the Burn Ban can be subject to a civil citation not to exceed $500 per violation or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 60 days or both.

The mandatory Burn Ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service.

Campfires, fire pits, fire pit grills, trash burning, open fires, bonfires, and similar types of burning are currentlyprohibited. Any burning on the ground where ash can easily be carried in the air poses a wildfire threat.

The Burn Ban shall remain in effect until further notice. It usually remains in effect until the drought index (KBDI) dips below 500 for seven consecutive days. 

For additional information, please call Seminole County’s Citizen Information Line at 407-665-0000. To report violation of the Burn Ban, please call the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, 407-665-6650.

Burn Bans occur when there has been a period without extensive rain, which results in severe drought conditions where wildfires are more easily started and could spread quickly. Dry vegetation and ground cover plants ignite easily from discarded cigarettes, campfires, lightning and other sources. Once started, wildfires grow rapidly and spread quickly due to high winds and dry conditions. Shifting winds can cause wildfires to change paths without notice.

Burn Ban activation is a prevention tool against accidental and avoidable wildfires. The Seminole County Fire Department has already recently responded to numerous wildfires. 

The purpose of the Burn Ban is to prioritize life and property within our community. The Burn Ban activates county-wide when the drought index (Keetch-Byram Drought Index – KBDI) reaches or exceeds 500 and there is no precipitation in the foreseeable future (reference Seminole County’s Code Section 85.24).