Sarasota County temporarily lifted its burn ban, as wildfires are still flaring up across Florida. As of Friday morning, 82 wildfires have scorched nearly 7,800 acres statewide, fueled by dry soil from the ongoing drought.
As of Sunday, April 19, 2026, a strict burn ban is back in effect for all of Sarasota County due to high wildfire risks from drought conditions. All open burning is prohibited, including yard waste and campfires, because the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) exceeded 500. The ban was previously lifted on April 14, 2026, but was reinstated.
The Florida Forest Service is out in force, looking for any sparks that could catch. Crews spotted a brush fire Wednesday near Cantonment in Escambia County and jumped in fast to keep it from spreading.
Meanwhile, residents in Collier County are living with an uneasy mix of smoke and sirens. Firefighters there are still tackling the Picayune brush fire, which has burned 1,700 acres so far and was 70% contained by Friday.
It’s not just Collier County. An interactive map lets you see active wildfires all over the state. Just a day ago, Florida had 69 wildfires burning. Now, less than 24 hours later, there are 82. Florida’s stuck in one of its worst droughts in years, and fires are popping up faster than crews can put them out.
As of 9 a.m. April 17, the 82 active wildfires were burning almost 7,800 acres. Smoke from those fires can travel for miles, degrading air quality even in areas far from the flames.
From January 1 to April 12, Florida logged 1,676 wildfires, burning a huge 97,145 acres, based on data from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Officials have closed no roads because of fire as of April 17, though they continue to urge caution. For example, people reported fire activity in Santa Rosa County near Cold Water Creek and Highway 4, in Collier County on southbound I-75 at Mile Marker 98, near State Road 26 and County Road 234 in Alachua County, and near U.S. 19 and Southwest 307th Avenue in Dixie County.
Smoke is a genuine concern, not just for visibility but for air quality. According to the EPA, air quality in Florida currently ranges from good to moderate. If you or someone in your household has respiratory issues, you need to be careful.
Simple steps help, keep windows and doors closed, use “recirculate” mode on your air conditioner, and swap out the filter often. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help if you’re in a smoke-prone zone. If you have to go outside, check air quality updates, keep trips brief, and wear an N95 mask. Change clothes immediately after coming home, as smoke particulates can get caught in fabric.
Burn bans are everywhere right now. As of April 17, 30 Florida counties have burn bans in effect, including places like Alachua, Bay, Citrus, Collier, Hernando, Lee, Pasco, and more. Duval and Pinellas counties always prohibit yard debris burning, regardless of fire risk.
What exactly is a burn ban? It’s a legal order prohibiting the outdoor burning of things like yard waste, campfires, bonfires, and burn barrels. Authorities usually issue burn bans when wildfire risk is high, such as during prolonged drought, low humidity, high winds, or when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) spikes. The KBDI, a number from 0 to 800, estimates wildfire risk based on how wet or dry the soil is. Zero means soggy, 800 means bone dry and prime for deep-burning fires.
What can you do to keep your home safer? The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, along with the Division of Forestry, recommends “defensible space” at least 30 feet cleared around your house. Within that zone, regularly remove dead vegetation from the yard, gutters, roof, and under decks. Trim branches that hang over your roof and keep all trees at least 10 feet from your chimney and from each other. Move that woodpile away from the house and separate anything flammable, like patio furniture or swing sets, from shrubs and trees. Extend your fire-safe habits. From 30 to 60 feet out, keep the grass cut low, no higher than four inches, and clear out dead leaves, needles, and branches. Beyond 60 feet, thin out undergrowth and trim low vegetation, especially under pine trees.
Even if you don’t see flames, don’t wait. Stay alert, prepare your home, and have emergency supplies ready. And if you suspect arson, report it immediately.
You can check your wildfire risk using the state’s interactive map. Enter your address and see what’s happening near you. Stay informed and stay safe.
