In a significant move for residents in Citrus and Hernando Counties, the Boards of County Commissioners have voted to lift the countywide burn ban that had been in place since earlier this year. This decision was made on March 10, 2026, after careful consideration of current conditions and the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which has remained below the crucial 500 threshold since February 16, 2026. The KBDI is a scale from 0 to 800 that estimates soil dryness and assesses wildfire risk, with higher values indicating greater danger.

Initially, the burn ban was enacted when the KBDI exceeded the 500 mark due to ongoing drought conditions. However, as reported by the Florida Forest Service, fire danger levels are now low in Citrus County, and meteorological forecasts suggest increased rainfall in the coming days. This change in conditions has prompted officials to reassess the restrictions surrounding outdoor burning.

Burning Regulations and Safety Tips

With the lifting of the burn ban, residents in unincorporated Citrus County can now burn yard waste without prior authorization, provided they adhere to specific guidelines. Burn piles must be under 8 feet in diameter or contained within a non-combustible receptacle. Crucially, these fires must be ignited after 9 a.m. EST and extinguished at least one hour before sunset. Additionally, if residents cannot meet the required setbacks from structures and roads, open burning is not permitted.

In Hernando County, officials have also lifted the ban, noting a decrease in brush fire responses and adequate precipitation. Residents are allowed to resume burning in compliance with Florida Forest Service regulations. It’s important to emphasize that burning household garbage and certain materials remains illegal and may result in citations for violators.

  • Only natural yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, brush, and tree limbs under 8 inches in diameter may be burned.
  • Burn piles should be at least 25 feet from homes and combustible structures, 50 feet from paved roads, and 150 feet from occupied buildings.
  • A person must be present during the burn, with fire suppression equipment readily available.
  • Burning is prohibited during windy conditions or when Red Flag Warnings are in effect.

For those in the cities of Inverness or Crystal River, it’s essential to contact local city offices for specific burning regulations.

Understanding Drought and Fire Risk

Drought conditions can vary significantly across Citrus County, with coastal areas generally being drier than inland regions. Recent rainfall has posed its own challenges, with heavy downpours making ground absorption difficult. Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens has emphasized the importance of responsible outdoor burning, encouraging residents to adhere to the guidelines established by the Florida Forest Service. For larger burns or agricultural purposes, a burn authorization is still required.

As local officials continue to monitor environmental conditions, they have made it clear that restrictions may be reinstated if fire danger levels increase. The community is urged to stay informed and practice outdoor burning safely.

For further information on the KBDI and its significance in fire management, you can visit the Drought.gov.

Stay safe and enjoy the outdoor burning season responsibly!

For more details on the recent decisions in Citrus and Hernando Counties, check out the full article at Tampa Bay 28.