Alachua County extended its mandatory burn ban for a second week and it will remain in effect through Tuesday, Dec. 2.

According to a release from the county, Several factors, including weather conditions in the area, are used to determine the activation and deactivation of county-wide burn bans.

According to the county’s order, the county coordinated with the Florida Forest Service to make the decision. The county referenced the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) and the Fire Danger Indices (FDI) as reasons.  
According to the release, these two indicators are used for:

• Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) – estimates the dryness of the soil and duff layers
• Fire Danger Indices (FDI) – potential for a fire to start and require suppression activities

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Alachua County’s KBDI value has increased to the range of 550-599, which places the county at risk for wildland fire spread.

The ban still allows barbeque grills and pits that are within three feet in diameter and two feet in height, along with fires that are permitted by the city of Gainesville, Alachua County or the state of Florida.  

But the ban will apply to all unpermitted open burns that directly release into the atmosphere without passing through a stack or chimney. The county said this includes campfires, bonfires, yard debris burn piles, organic matter burn piles or fireworks. 

Because of the ban, Alachua County said these activities now violate county codes. 

According to the release, “Any unauthorized burning within the County during the imposed ban will violate Alachua County ordinance number 362.50 as codified under Article III of the Alachua County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 252 of Florida Statutes. Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be liable for all damages caused by such violation, which damages shall be recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction, as well as the costs associated with suppressing and extinguishing the fire. The liability for the costs of suppression may extend to the person, firm, or corporation causing, directing or permitting the activity, as well as the actual violator.”

For more information, contact Alachua County Fire Rescue at 352-384-3101.