Windsor Volunteer Fire Department

05/27/2026

While the burn ban has been lifted, the eastern part of Alachua County has not received the amount of rain that the rest of the county has.

Please be careful!

𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧

Effective today, May 27, 2026, Alachua County has lifted the countywide burn ban following substantial rainfall across the region over the past several days and additional rain forecasted throughout the week.

County officials, in coordination with the Florida Forest Service (FFS), determined that improving environmental conditions have significantly reduced the immediate threat of wildfires.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures soil and vegetation dryness, has dropped to 415 from 618 last week and is expected to continue declining as rainfall persists.

“Recent rainfall has significantly improved conditions across Alachua County and reduced the wildfire risk that led to the burn ban,” said Fire Chief Harold Theus. “While the ban is being lifted, we encourage residents to continue practicing safe and responsible outdoor burning to help prevent accidental fires.”

Residents are reminded to follow all local and state regulations regarding outdoor burning. Officials caution that dry conditions can return quickly, especially during warm, windy periods.

Alachua County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service will continue monitoring drought conditions, weather patterns, and wildfire activity. If conditions worsen, the county may reinstate the burn ban to protect public safety and property.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official Alachua County communication channels for updates regarding burn conditions and potential restrictions.

05/25/2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for parts of Alachua County. Go to weather.gov/jax for full info

05/22/2026

🔥🚫 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 29, 2026.

Residents are reminded that the burn ban prohibits the ignition of fireworks this Memorial Day weekend. Backyard grilling is allowed.

Scattered thunderstorms and rain are forecast for the upcoming week, which may help reduce the county’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) levels, though they will likely have limited duration and coverage. The KBDI is a continuous reference scale for estimating the dryness of the soil and duff layers.

Alachua County’s overall KBDI level ranks the third highest in the state at 618, up from 581 last week, indicating a high wildfire risk.

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.

For these reasons, 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/4dr46h56

05/19/2026

🔥 Burn bans remain in effect across Clay Electric's service area.

Dry conditions continue to fuel wildfire risk throughout our area. No open burning of any kind until bans are lifted.

See a wildfire? Call 911 or your local Florida Forest Service dispatch office.

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

05/09/2026

We are now at 70% containment.
Low clouds kept the aircraft in this morning. The little bit of rain has caused no help because it just created a whole lot of smoke.
Forestry has a night crew on for tonight. And we at the station are taking shifts monitoring through the night, as we have been and will continue

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞

Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus has announced his retirement, bringing nearly 32 years of dedicated service to the residents of Alachua County to a close.

Chief Theus began his career with ACFR on Aug. 1, 1994, as an EMT/firefighter. He steadily rose through the ranks and was appointed fire chief in March 2019. His tenure as chief has been marked by unprecedented growth, forward-thinking leadership, and a commitment to innovation that has positioned ACFR among the leading fire service agencies in the region and beyond.

Chief Theus’ promotion history:

🔹 Firefighter EMT – August 1994
🔹 Firefighter Paramedic – November 1997
🔹 Paramedic Attendant Firefighter – March 1998
🔹 Lieutenant Paramedic – April 2005
🔹 District Chief – April 2008
🔹 Assistant Chief – August 2012
🔹 Deputy Chief – April 2015
🔹 Chief – March 2019

“As the first Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief to rise through the ranks of the department to become chief, he has set an inspiring example for current and future firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders,” said Alachua County Manager Michelle Lieberman. “Chief Theus is the kind of leader every county manager hopes to have on their team. His competence, professionalism, and calm command of complex situations have made it a pleasure to serve with him.”

Under Chief Theus’ leadership, the department achieved numerous historic milestones. ACFR became the first fire department in the nation to be validated and certified as an assessor in the Fireground Physical Ability Test fitness program.

The department also became the first in Florida to deploy a Mobile Stroke Transport Unit and one of the first in the state to implement Tele911 services, enhancing patient care and emergency response capabilities. In addition, the department became one of only 215 agencies in the United States to receive accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.

Chief Theus oversaw significant expansion and capital improvements, including the development of a Fire/EMS training classroom building and construction projects for Stations 80 and 21. He also led the department through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and labor challenges while maintaining high levels of service and operational readiness.

During his tenure, Chief Theus also:
🔹 Launched a Community Health Program
🔹 Led the acquisition of the Public Safety Radio System
🔹 Oversaw the transition of fire services in the Town of Micanopy
🔹 Implemented a Kelly Day schedule and compensation step plan
🔹 Established specialized teams, including Urban Search and Rescue, SWAT Medics, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems

“Chief Theus’ career represents the highest ideals of public service,” said Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell. “His dedication, humility, and steady leadership have left a lasting mark on Fire Rescue and on every resident who depends on its lifesaving work. Alachua County is safer, stronger, and better prepared because of him, and we are deeply grateful for all he has given to this community.”

Additionally, Chief Theus hosted the 50th anniversary celebration of ACFR, honoring the department’s legacy of service and was recently recognized as Florida Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

“Serving this community and working alongside the dedicated men and women of Alachua County Fire Rescue has been the honor of a lifetime,” Chief Theus said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the department will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

Chief Theus’ final day in the office will be May 29, with an official employment end date of June 12.

05/07/2026

⚠️A Red Flag Warning 🔥 has been issued for the St. Johns River Valley region of northeast FL Thursday.

Breezy southwesterly winds, low daytime relative humidity, and ongoing drought conditions could contribute to extreme fire 🔥 behavior.

Fire Weather 🔥conditions will remain elevated outside of the warning area.

Make sure to avoid open flames 🔥 or sparks, properly discard ci******es🚬 , keep vehicles off of dry grass & clear dead vegetation around your home & gutters.