Public safety leaders urge caution, awareness while battling wildfires

Published on April 20, 2026

As Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR), the Florida Forest Service and Alachua County Fire Rescue continue working to control two local wildfires, experts leading the multi-agency response are emphasizing the role neighbors play in preventing and reporting future outbreaks. 

The serious nature of the city’s current wildfire risk was brought home during a news conference today at the Gainesville Police Department (GPD), where Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus stressed the need for caution and awareness as dry conditions remain unchanged. 

“The county’s been under a burn ban since November 17. That’s the longest burn ban I can remember in my time as fire chief. The last burn ban we issued was in 2021. So it just gives everyone the idea that we are in extreme drought conditions. So there should be no open fires outdoors at all.”

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for 31 of Florida's 67 counties, including Alachua County, indicating the presence of critical fire weather conditions. Gainesville Fire Chief Shawn Hillhouse is keeping a close eye on wind conditions as he deploys GFR crews to support fire suppression efforts led by the Florida Forest Service, noting the city resources dedicated to the ongoing response.

“This is a wind-driven event at this time, and that factor makes conditions unpredictable. Between GFR and GPD we have 38 staff dedicated currently to fire suppression and we’re using hydrants around nearby neighborhoods to help the situation improve.”

The combination of drought and wind contributed to the concern expressed today by public safety leaders. As news spread that Alachua County has declared a Local State of Emergency, GFR responders are sharing a detailed list of actions and activities to avoid while wildfire hazards persist.

Anyone under a burn ban should adhere to the following guidelines:

• NO open fires are allowed.
• If cooking in a barbeque pit, have a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby.
• Only discard smoking materials into approved disposal canisters.
• Use caution if driving offroad; vehicle engine heat can ignite vegetation fires.
• Do not park your vehicle on the grass.
• LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep the area around the tank clear of flammable vegetation.
• Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
• All combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables and stacked lumber should be kept away from structures.
• DO NOT discharge fireworks and/or sparklers.
• Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid the build-up of flammable materials, such as leaves and other debris.
• Have fire tools handy, such as a fire extinguisher, water hose or hand tools.
• Assure you know all emergency exits from your home and building(s) you occupy.

Florida Forest Service Public Information Specialist Dr. Ludie Bond advises all residents to remain alert, monitor the situation and get information from reputable online or traditional media sources.

“We have a live dashboard on the Florida Forest Service website of all the current wildfires in the state. You can also go to bewildfirereadyfl.com to find helpful information about preparing your property and creating a plan for yourself and your pets in the event of an evacuation.”

Along with efforts to eliminate the fires, GPD remains on scene to support and facilitate firefighting efforts. This includes blocking or rerouting traffic to allow access to streets and neighborhoods where suppression or prevention tactics are underway and assisting in cases where local access is needed by residents.