LAKE COUNTY, FL— Lake County officials have lifted the countywide burn ban, effective Friday, March 20, 2026.
Lake County Fire Rescue implements burn bans when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index rises above 500. The ban, enacted on March 11, 2026, was lifted after the index remained below that threshold for five consecutive days.
Burn bans serve as a precautionary measure to prevent accidental fires and reduce the impact of drought conditions. While the ban was active, recreational fires were prohibited, along with the burning of yard debris, land, and unauthorized debris piles not approved by the Florida Forest Service.
Following significant rainfall from recent storms, officials determined that fire risk has decreased, leading to the index falling below the threshold.
Residents are encouraged to follow safety guidelines when burning outdoors, including closely monitoring fires, keeping them contained in a fire pit or other fire-resistant container, and maintaining access to a water source in case of emergency.
For more information about burn bans, visit the official Lake County website at lakecountyfl.gov.
