Windsor Fire Department

05/15/2026

🔥🚫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧 🔥🚫

After reviewing Alachua County’s current wildland fire conditions and in consultation with state officials, the mandatory countywide burn ban has been extended and will remain in effect through May 22, 2026.

Recent rain has helped reduce the county’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) levels, mostly in the eastern portion of the county. The KBDI is a continuous reference scale for estimating the dryness of the soil and duff layers.

However, Alachua County’s KBDI levels remain among the highest in the state, along with several neighboring counties. Approximately 41% of Alachua County has a KBDI level between 601 and 700, indicating a high wildfire risk. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the coming week, which should help lower the county’s KBDI levels.

Additionally, the St. Johns and the Suwannee River water management districts have declared a “Phase 2 Water Shortage,” further indicating the severity of current drought conditions. As a result, the countywide burn ban remains in effect and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and report any active fire immediately.

The burn ban prohibits all unauthorized open burning, including:
🔸 Campfires and bonfires
🔸 Unpermitted controlled burns
🔸 Burning yard or household trash
🔸 Burning construction or organic debris
🔸 Igniting fireworks

Only limited exemptions apply, such as the use of small barbecue grills or activities conducted under a valid state-issued burn authorization.

Officials emphasize that unauthorized burning during the ban is illegal. Anyone who violates the burn ban may be held financially liable for all damages caused by a resulting fire, including the full costs of wildfire suppression and extinguishment efforts. These costs can be substantial.

Residents are urged to:
🔸 Fully comply with the countywide burn ban.
🔸 Avoid any activity that could create sparks or open flames.
🔸 Properly extinguish and dispose of ci******es and smoking materials.
🔸 Report smoke or wildfires immediately by calling 911. Early reporting can prevent a small fire from becoming a major wildfire.

Conditions will continue to be monitored closely, and updates will be provided as needed. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by texting ALACHUA to 888-777 or visiting AlertAlachua.com.

Read the burn ban order: https://tinyurl.com/yc4ynudb

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

One Less SPARK 💥 One Less WILDFIRE!

05/05/2026

The Florida Forest Service fights a 100 Acre wild Fire breaks out near Hawthorne See link below ⬇️

📸 Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun

05/04/2026

Just FYI:

05/04/2026

Update - CR 325 has reopened.

Update 6:45 p.m. - 14 dozers, 6 engines, South Florida Brush Strike Team of engines, St. Johns River Water Management District w 2 engines and 1 dozer, 3 helicopters, and 1 air attack aircraft are currently working this fire. Dozers are still plowing containment lines and helicopters are dropping water to stop the forward progression of the fire.

Update 4:30 p.m. - The smoke plume from the Lochloosa fire is heading west causing smokey conditions throughout Gainesville, including the Archer Road area, Paynes Prairie, and other parts of Alachua County that is west of the fire. Please use caution if driving in areas where visibility is affected.

Update: 3:30 p.m. - County Road 325 is shut down from CR 346 to SE 152nd Lane. Alachua County Sheriff is assisting with traffic control. The fire has grown to 100 acres+. A large smoke plume is visible from Gainesville, west of Lochloosa Lake.

Update 3 p.m. - Residents within a 3-mile radius have been notified. Multiple forestry units en route. The Florida National Guard has 2 helicopters heading to the site.

The Florida Forest Service - Waccasassa Forestry Center and Alachua County Fire Rescue have several units on scene of another wildfire around S. County Road 325 and SE County Road 346 (near Lochloosa) in Hawthorne. The fire is approximately 2-3 acres near a swamp area and is slowly spreading. There is no danger to the public or structures at this time.

⚠️ Reminder to residents ⚠️ ACFR currently has a drone in the air. Flying personal drones over or near active fires puts firefighters at serious risk and can interfere with critical suppression operations. Interfering with wildfire operations is dangerous and illegal. Individuals who do so may face civil penalties and criminal prosecution.

Updates will be posted as they become available.

05/04/2026

Delayed post: Windsor Brush 61 is currently on scene with multiple units from ACFR, Melrose Fire Department-Florida, Cross Creek Fire, and Florida Forest Service - Waccasassa Forestry Center of a large wildfire in the area of CR-325 & CR-346. Please avoid the area.

05/03/2026

The cost to outfit our firefighters in order to perform their essential job functions.

05/01/2026

🚨 Burn Bans Blanket Majority of the State 🚨

Despite some recent rains, drought conditions continue to plague Florida as the peak of the state’s wildfire season looms. As a result, 48 of the state’s 67 counties have declared a county-wide burn ban as May begins.

The Florida Forest Service is urging every Floridian to follow any county-imposed burn ban, which prohibits unauthorized outdoor burning. The state’s dry season lasts through June, and any fire that starts during these conditions – including drought, high winds, and low humidity – could quickly get out of control and be a danger to property or lives.

Florida has experienced over 1,900 wildfires since January 1, burning nearly 120,000 acres.

An active burn ban prohibits activities such as campfires, bonfires, burning yard debris, and other open fires. These bans do not include outdoor burning authorized by the Florida Forest Service.

For wildfire prevention and preparation tips, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire conditions in Florida, visit https://tinyurl.com/mt94pdfa.

05/01/2026