Jackson County Issues Burn Ban Due to Elevated Wildfire Risk
April 28, 2026
Jackson County, FL — At its regular meeting on April 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution prohibiting outdoor burning throughout Jackson County and its municipalities. This action was taken following recommendations from the Florida Forest Service and Jackson County Fire Rescue due to current dry conditions that significantly increase the risk of wildfires.
The Board determined that existing environmental conditions present a public safety hazard that could be worsened by outdoor burning. As a result, all outdoor burning activities are prohibited unless specifically authorized.
Under the order, it is unlawful to burn any combustible material outdoors or engage in activities that may produce flames or sparks, including the use of fireworks or similar items. The ban applies to common activities such as yard debris burning, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, and the use of outdoor fireplaces or chimneys. Cooking is only permitted using contained gas or charcoal grills. Any unauthorized burning of grass, brush, or forested land is considered a violation of the law.
Exceptions to the burn ban include firefighter training exercises and burn operations that have been approved by the Florida Forest Service.
Jackson County Fire Rescue and local fire departments will respond to reports of outdoor burning and take immediate action to extinguish fires when necessary. Law enforcement agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments, will assist with enforcement and ensure compliance with the order.
The burn ban will remain in effect until conditions improve and it is deemed safe to lift the order. The Board will continue to monitor conditions in coordination with Jackson County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following official Jackson County communication channels for updates.
Jackson County Fire Rescue is a career department, founded December 1, 1974, located in and serving Jackson County in the rural Panhandle of Florida. We are the sole provider of Advanced Life Support EMS and fire suppression within our county, which covers 955 square miles.
We currently have thirty-six (36) combat employees, all certified Firefighter II, and all certified as EMTs or Paramedics in the State of Florida.
Inter-local mutual aid agreements are maintained with fourteen (14) local municipalities and volunteer fire departments. These volunteer departments work together with County Fire Rescue as a force multiplier in response to emergencies for support, staff, and equipment.
Fire Rescue has six (6) stations located throughout the county. Each station is staffed by three (3) working shifts. Our full-time employees work 48-hour shifts followed by a 96-hour rest period. JCFR also employees auxiliary single and dual certified EMT’s and paramedics to fill vacancies.
911 Communications/Dispatch Center
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office:
4111 Gov. Rick Scott Drive Marianna, Florida 32448
(850) 482-9648 (Non-Emergency)
24 Hour Operations
CONTACT US:
Fire Rescue Administration
2411 Commercial Park Dr. Marianna, FL. 32446
Phone: (850) 718-0000
Fax: (850) 718-0048
Email: [email protected]
Office of Fire Chief, Operations Chief, and County Fire Marshal
General inquiries, Burn Permits, records requests for ambulance and fire reports, and questions about your fire bill.
Questions about your ambulance bill?
For dates of service after June 1, 2019, please contact our billing service:
EMS MC (EMS Management & Consultants)
(800) 814-5339 – Customer Service Number
– Or –
Login to your patient portal: https://emsbilling.com/patient/
*Medical records may only be released to the patient or legal guardian, or an authorized representative with appropriate documentation. Photo identification is required for all records requests.
Burn Permits:
– Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter require a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service.
– For a burn authorization, please contact our partners,
Florida Forest Service: (850) 373-1801.
For more information on burn authorizations, check out Florida Forest Service website. https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Burn-Authorizations