Wildfire risk is up

St. Johns County Emergency Management urges residents to take extra precautions as extreme drought and elevated wildfire risk increase the threat of dangerous conditions across Northeast Florida.

The county urges residents to:

• Avoid bonfires, campfires, fireworks and recreational burning, especially during windy conditions.

• Postpone yard debris burning and follow all Florida Forest Service burn authorization requirements.

• Properly discard cigarettes and never throw smoking materials onto the ground or from vehicles.

• Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, where hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.

• Use caution with equipment that may create sparks, including chainsaws, trailers and lawn equipment.

• Clear dry vegetation and debris from around homes and structures to create defensible space.

• Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.

St. Johns County Emergency Management encourages the public to stay informed through these options:

• Follow St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook (facebook.com/StJohnsEOC).

• Follow Florida Forest Service on Facebook (facebook.com/FFSJax).

• Sign up for Alert St. Johns emergency notification system at sjcfl.us/departments/emergency-mgmt. Ensure the notification settings selected allow you to be alerted at all times for your safety.

Human activity remains the leading cause of wildfires in Florida, particularly during the dry season that typically lasts through May. Even small ignition sources — embers, sparks or unattended flames — can quickly escalate into fast-moving fires when fuels are dry and winds increase.

Persistent dry weather, minimal rainfall, warming temperatures and periodic gusty winds have combined to produce extreme drought conditions throughout the region. According to National Weather Service Jacksonville, drought conditions have expanded across Northeast Florida following an extended lack of meaningful precipitation, significantly increasing fire danger across communities.

Compounding the risk, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) — a nationally recognized measure of soil dryness and wildfire potential — currently sits at 443 in St. Johns County, indicating critically dry ground conditions capable of supporting rapidly spreading fires. At these levels, vegetation and organic soils can ignite easily, allowing fires to grow quickly and threaten nearby homes and infrastructure.

Across Florida, drought conditions have already contributed to a sharp increase in wildfire activity in 2026, with hundreds of fires reported statewide amid one of the driest periods in decades.

County emergency management officials emphasize that wildfire risk is not limited to rural or wooded areas. Under dry and windy conditions, fires can spread rapidly through neighborhoods, jumping from yard debris or brush into structures within minutes.

Extreme drought conditions increase the likelihood that everyday outdoor activities can unintentionally spark dangerous fires. Residents are strongly encouraged to take preventative actions to protect their families, neighbors and first responders.

Conditions can change rapidly. Low humidity, dry vegetation and afternoon wind gusts common during late winter and spring significantly increase wildfire potential across Northeast Florida. Regional officials have already reported substantially higher wildfire activity compared to recent years due to ongoing drought conditions.

Residents should remain weather aware and understand that wildfire behavior during drought conditions can escalate rapidly, reducing evacuation time and increasing risks to life and property.

St. Johns County Emergency Management, Fire Rescue and public safety partners continue coordinating with state and federal agencies to monitor conditions and prepare response resources as needed.

Additional preparedness information is available at sjcfl.us/departments/emergency-mgmt.