04/20/2026
The burn ban was extended today because...
Northeast Florida and Putnam County is facing some of the driest conditions we’ve seen in years—and it’s creating a serious and dangerous wildfire situation across our region.
Right now, months of little rainfall, low humidity, and gusty winds have turned vegetation into fuel. Across North and Northeast Florida, fires are spreading quickly and becoming harder to control. In fact, multiple large wildfires are actively burning near the Clay–Putnam County line, with one fire reaching around 1,700 acres and still not contained, while elsewhere in Putnam county we have four active wild fires one of wich already burned about 1,000 acres and is not contained.
This isn’t isolated to just our county—wildfires are breaking out across the region, including a 100+ acre fire in Gainesville.
Because of these dangerous conditions, many counties across Northeast Florida and Putnam County are currently under burn bans. These bans prohibit outdoor burning—including yard debris, campfires, and fire pits—because even a small spark can quickly turn into a fast-moving wildfire.
This is the reality right now...... Florida Forest Service - Waccasassa Forestry Center and other county fire departments are doing the best we can with the resources we have. Please do your part and remember:
Dry grass, woods, and brush will ignite easily
Fires spread rapidly with wind and low humidity
Resources in Putnam County and North East Florida and Putnam are stretched as crews fight multiple fires
Important reminders:
We are under a burn ban. That means
No burning yard debris
No campfires or open flames
No careless disposal of ci******es
Avoid parking vehicles in dry grass or using equipment that can spark
Consequences of causing a wildfire are serious!
Starting a wildfire—whether intentional or accidental—can lead to.......
Criminal charges (including misdemeanors or felonies depending on damage)
Heavy fines and liability for damages
Risking homes, property, wildlife, and lives—including first responders
Most wildfires in Florida are human-caused, often from something as simple as a small outdoor burn or a discarded cigarette.
Bottom line!!!!!
Conditions are critical. Firefighters across Northeast Florida and Putnam county are actively working large, fast-moving fires right now. Do your part to protect your community—follow the burn ban, stay alert, and eliminate anything that could spark a fire.
It only takes one mistake to change everything.