UPDATE - CITRUS COUNTY BURN BAN LIFTED - Citrus County enacts burn ban amid extreme drought and elevated fire danger
Residents asked to follow Florida Forest Service guidelines for safe outdoor burning
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 4:15 p.m.
Citrus County, Florida – At the recommendation of Citrus County Fire Rescue, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners rescinded the burn ban that was enacted on April 25, 2025 for unincorporated areas of Citrus County, Florida.
This decision is due to significant improvement in wildfire risk indicators. Since May 4, 2025, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) has remained consistently below 500, and continued rainfall across the area has helped reduce the dry conditions that previously elevated the risk of wildfires igniting and spreading.
“Thanks to the change in weather and the cooperation of our community, it is now safe to lift the burn ban,” said Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens. “However, outdoor burning must still be done responsibly and in compliance with Florida Forest Service regulations (see below).
Yard Waste Burning Guidelines
Burning of yard waste is allowed without a permit, but residents must follow all Florida Forest Service guidelines to reduce the risk of fire:
• Only natural yard waste may be burned, such as leaves, grass clippings, brush, and tree limbs under 8 inches in diameter.
• Burn piles must be no larger than 8 feet in diameter or fit in a noncombustible container.
• The fire must be located at least:
25 feet from your home.
25 feet from forests, woods, brush, or other combustible structures.
50 feet from any paved public road.
150 feet from other occupied buildings.
• A person must always be present during the burn.
• A charged water hose, shovel, or other fire suppression equipment must be on hand.
• Burning is not permitted during windy conditions or Red Flag Warnings.
• Refrain from burning immediately following a storm.
Burning of garbage, construction materials, plastics, treated wood, or other prohibited items is not allowed under state law.
For burns exceeding these limitations or for agricultural and land clearing purposes, a burn authorization must be obtained from the Florida Forest Service. Visit www.fdacs.gov for details.
Citrus County Fire Rescue encourages all residents to remain cautious and follow safe burning practices. Environmental conditions will continue to be monitored, and restrictions may be reinstated if fire danger increases.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
April 28, 2025:
Burn Ban amended to include ALL areas of Citrus County, Florida: all unincorporated areas,and the incorporated cities of Crystal River and Inverness
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
~ Dry vegetation, rising drought index, and lack of rain increase the risk of wildfire. ~
Citrus County Fire Rescue
April 25, 2025
Citrus County, Florida – In response to worsening drought conditions, dry vegetation, and no rain forecasted in the near future, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, at the request of Citrus County Fire Rescue, has enacted a burn ban for all unincorporated areas of Citrus County, effective immediately on April 25, 2025 - NOW INCLUDES THE CITIES OF CRYSTAL RIVER AND INVERNESS, effective April 28, 2025.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is currently 489, and has been continuing to rise, signaling severe drought conditions that significantly elevate the risk of wildfire. The elevated KBDI, coupled with low humidity, gusty winds, and dry vegetation across the region, are conditions that make an extremely high likelihood of wildfires igniting and spreading.
Prohibited Activities Under the Burn Ban
It is unlawful for any person to set fire to or cause fire to be set to:
• Forests, grasslands, wild lands, marshes, or vegetation.
• Any land in urban or rural areas, including agricultural and silvicultural lands.
• Pile burns, yard trash, household garbage, refuse, or other debris.
• Campfires and bonfires.
Additionally, no person or entity may discharge:
• Fireworks (as defined in F.S. § 791.01)
• Sparklers approved by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to F.S. § 791.013
• Trick noisemakers and novelties as listed in F.S. § 791.01(4)(c)
• Flares
“These restrictions are necessary to protect our community from the serious threat of wildfires,” said Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens. “Our vegetation is extremely dry, and without rain in the immediate forecast, we must do everything we can to prevent accidental ignitions.”
Exceptions to the Burn Ban
This burn ban does not apply to the following lawful activities:
• Controlled industrial or commercial processes that involve incendiary devices, fire, or flame, provided they occur under a permit or in a controlled environment where the risk of wildfire is unlikely.
• Attended residential outdoor cooking on appropriate equipment designed to safely contain the fire, flame, and heat (e.g., gas or charcoal grills).
• Attended outdoor cooking in public or private areas equipped with facilities designed to contain the heat and flames (e.g., park grills).
• Government-permitted activities involving heat, flame, or fire, authorized by local, state, or federal agencies.
• Fire department training exercises that involve open fire or flame, conducted solely for training purposes under controlled conditions.
This burn ban will remain in effect until drought conditions ease and fire danger levels return to safer thresholds. Citrus County Fire Rescue will continue to monitor environmental conditions and notify the public when the ban is lifted.
For timely notifications of disasters and other emergencies within Citrus County, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Citrus at the following link: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736725586/new.
Residents are also encouraged to visit Citrus County Fire Rescue's website or its social media pages for updates:
Website: www.CitrusCountyFire.com
X: x.com/CitrusCoFire
Facebook: Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue
IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, DIAL 9-1-1.
Any violation by any person of any requirement or provision of this article shall be prosecuted in the same manner as misdemeanors are prosecuted. Upon conviction, any person violating any requirement or provision of this article shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500, or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed 60 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.