Public Safety

Alachua County declares emergency as two wildfires prompt multi-agency response

Alachua County has declared a Local State of Emergency as Gainesville Fire Rescue, Alachua County Fire Rescue, and the Florida Forest Service work to contain two active wildfires amid what the county fire chief described as the longest burn ban in his tenure, in effect since November 17. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning covering Alachua County and 30 other Florida counties, with wind-driven conditions making the situation unpredictable; fire officials say 38 city staff are currently assigned to suppression efforts. Residents are urged to follow burn ban rules, which prohibit all open fires, fireworks, and off-road driving that could ignite dry vegetation.

Sources: City of Gainesville · Alachua County