MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners announced that the voluntary burn ban enacted on Feb. 6, 2026, will become mandatory as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
“The action follows recent freezing temperatures, dry conditions, and sustained winds that have significantly increased the risk of wildfire throughout Marion County,” read the announcement. “County officials determined the burn ban is necessary to protect the health, safety and property of residents.”
Under the mandatory burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, with the following exceptions.
Burn ban exceptions
- Outdoor cookers and grills may be used provided they are attended at all times by a responsible adult while in operation.
- Commercial land clearing operations may proceed only after inspection, review, and approval by the Florida Forest Service or Marion County Fire Rescue on a case-by-case basis. Adequate fire suppression personnel and equipment must be present on site, and final authorization must be granted by the Florida Forest Service.
- Public fireworks displays are permitted when conducted in accordance with approved special use and fireworks permits and when adequate fire suppression personnel and equipment are on site.
Multiple burn bans have been issued for municipalities across the 352 in recent days, and at least one large, fast-moving fire was fought by Marion County Fire Rescue in the last week…