Worsening drought conditions led Gov. Ron DeSantis to issue a State of Emergency on Monday, Feb. 9, which included Alachua County.

DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-33, which recognizes the growing wildfire threat resulting from critically dry conditions across Florida.

Alachua County reviewed its current wildland fire conditions and, in consultation with state officials, the countywide mandatory burn ban has been extended through Feb. 20.

On Wednesday, the St. Johns River Water Management District declared a Phase 1 Moderate Water Shortage for parts of Alachua, Baker, Bradford and Marion counties, along with all of Duval County.

The Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), which oversees the rest of Alachua County, has an ongoing water shortage advisory issued in January. SRWMD reported that through Dec. 21, 2025, 14 of SRWMD’s 15 counties reported an average rainfall deficit of nearly 11½ inches, based on records dating back to 1932. The rainfall forecasts for the first three months of 2026 call for continued below-normal precipitation, while all 15 counties in the district are at varying levels of drought conditions.

Alachua County residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as severe drought conditions continue to significantly increase wildfire risk across our community.

Locally, stressed vegetation, dry soils and elevated fire danger have created hazardous conditions throughout the county.

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.

According to the Alachua County release, “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.”  

According to the National Weather Service, there’s an 80% to 90% chance of rain on Sunday. According to the Alachua County release, the rainfall will not be sufficient to improve drought conditions or reduce wildfire danger significantly. Vegetation will remain critically dry and fire risk will continue even after the rain ends.

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 cigarettes 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 at AlertAlachua.com.

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