Environment

Alachua County Extends Burn Ban Amid Active Wildfires, Drought Conditions

Alachua County has extended a mandatory countywide burn ban through May 1, 2026, while remaining under a Local State of Emergency declared April 20 due to multiple active wildfires. Persistently high Keetch-Byram Drought Index levels, driven by historic drought and little recent rainfall, are sustaining elevated wildfire risk across the county. A separate brush fire near Hawthorne on April 22 was contained by a multi-agency response after witnesses reported a vehicle with a flat tire sent sparks from its wheel rim igniting fires along roughly a mile of County Road 2082.

Sources: Alachua County