Burn Ban

Is Walton County under a burn ban? 

No. The Walton Fire Council will be meeting every seven (7) days to review conditions. 

 

What is a Burn Ban?

 

Burn Ban: The prohibition of all open fires during certain drought conditions except for those expressly permitted, or exempted, by this Section or Florida Statute.

 

Who establishes the Burn Ban?

 

The Walton Fire Council, its Advisory Committee, and the Chair of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners.

  1. The Walton Fire Council represents Chief Fire Officials representing the county and each municipal or special fire service provider. The Council was established by the Board of County Commissioners (Resolution 2011-24) to serve in an advisory capacity to the board to promote a unified method of Fire and EMS education, prevention, and emergency response activities.  
  2. Walton County Fire Rescue (WCFR) 
  3. South Walton Fire District (SWFD) 
  4. City of DeFuniak Springs Fire Department (DFSFD) 
  5. Argyle Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD)
  6. Liberty Volunteer Fire District (LVFD)
  • The Advisory Committeemembers are the Chief Fire Officials, as well as representative from Florida Forest Service (FFS) and the Director of Walton County Emergency Management (WCEM).
    1. In the event of increased wildfire hazard conditions, the Advisory Committee will meet to discuss current risks and any other pertinent factors (drought conditions, current wildfire risks and responses, short- and long-range meteorology forecasts, etc.) to evaluate if a burn ban is warranted.
  • The Chair of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners is provided a recommendation from the Walton Fire Council Advisory Committee by the EM Director. The EM Director will draft a burn ban resolution and present that Resolution to the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for signature.  

 

Can a burn ban be issued quickly in an emergency?

 

Yes. If urgent environmental or local conditions exist, the Walton County Sheriff, in consultation with fire officials, can declare an Emergency Burn Ban.

 

This temporary ban:

 

  • Takes effect immediately after public notice
  • Cannot last more than 7 days

 

Why would a burn ban be issued?

 

Burn bans are considered when drought and weather conditions make fires more likely to start, spread quickly, or become dangerous. The Walton County Fire Chiefs Council Advisory Committee members review:

 

  • The Florida Wildland Fire Danger Index (FDI)
  • The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KDBI)
  • Current and forecast weather
  • Fuel conditions
  • Input from fire professionals
  • Resources available to local responders

 

High, Very High, or Extreme wildfire danger may lead to a recommendation. Extreme conditions warrant activation.

 

What is prohibited during a Burn Ban? 

 

During a Burn Ban, these “open burning” activities are not allowed, unless specifically exempted:

 

  • Campfires
  • Bonfires
  • Burning yard debris or household trash
  • Burning construction materials
  • Unpermitted burns
  • Fireworks

 

Are any fires allowed during a burn ban?

 

Yes, some activities are exempt:

  • Firefighter training
  • Burns approved by the Florida Forest Service (FFS)
  • Cooking in a contained gas or charcoal grill


How often is the Burn Ban assessed?

 

The Walton Fire Council will communicate regularly (virtually or in-person) as the increased wildfire conditions are observed. Every seven (7) days, the Burn Ban automatically renews until deactivated. The Burn Ban will remain in place until conditions improve, and it is formally lifted.

 

When is a Burn Ban lifted?

 

A Burn Ban can be removed after wildfire hazard conditions have decreased for at least seven (7) consecutive days, based on drought, weather, and fire risk assessments. Following the determination to deactivate the Burn Ban, a new resolution must be signed by the Chair of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners.


How will the public be notified about a burn ban?


Once a Burn Ban is activated or deactivated, Public Information Officers (PIO) from the County and public safety agencies are responsible for promptly notifying the public.

 

To ensure coordinated, accurate messaging, a Joint Information Center (JIC) will be established among public safety and county PIOs. The JIC works together to determine the best strategy for distributing information quickly and consistently across the community.

 

Residents can expect:

  • An official press release from Walton County Emergency Management
  • Updates shared on county and partner agency websites
  • Posts across agency social media platforms
  • Notifications through additional public communication channels as appropriate