Environment

Alachua County extends burn ban through May 15 amid ongoing wildfire emergency

Alachua County has extended its mandatory countywide burn ban through May 15, 2026, as historic drought conditions and multiple active wildfires keep the county under a State of Emergency declaration. Drought index readings have remained largely unchanged due to a lack of recent rainfall, sustaining elevated wildfire risk across the area. The county’s May 12 commission meeting also included the retirement announcement of Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus after nearly 32 years of service, a posthumous proclamation honoring the late County Commission Executive Manager Latoya Gainey, and a planned overnight road closure on SW 20th Avenue beginning May 18.

Sources: Alachua County