Dry conditions drive surge of fires across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, prompting burn bans and warnings

Fires reported across multiple counties as vegetation dries and cold snaps add to hazards

A stretch of dry weather across Northeast Florida has coincided with a sharp uptick in brush and structure fires in and around Jacksonville, with fire agencies reporting dozens of incidents over the past week across the region. In Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) reported at least 17 fires over a four-day period, spanning brush, building, and house fires.

Two incidents on Tuesday highlighted the range of risks emerging in these conditions: a fatal mobile home fire on Jacksonville’s Westside and a separate brush fire that damaged property in western Duval County.

Fatal fire at Westside mobile home park

JFRD said a fire at the Three Seasons Mobile Home Park off Collins Road was reported at 5:49 a.m. Tuesday. Firefighters brought the fire under control by about 6:23 a.m., and officials said a woman died at the scene. JFRD also noted that interior conditions included extensive clutter and debris, which firefighters said impeded operations.

Brush fire threatens homes in western Duval County

Later the same day, a brush fire in the Glen Eagle area near Chaffee Road in western Duval County spread in wooded areas adjacent to homes, prompting concerns from residents and resulting in reported property damage. While some brush fires in recent days were contained without injuries or damage, officials have emphasized that dry fuels and changing winds can accelerate fire spread and increase the chance of spot fires.

Regional actions: burn restrictions and a local emergency declaration

In Putnam County, county leaders declared a state of local emergency on Monday, February 2, 2026, citing abnormally dry conditions and multiple forest and brush fires. The county also issued a countywide burn ban, restricting outdoor burning except for limited cooking uses and certain commercial land-clearing operations subject to inspection and approval. The county’s order also warned against ignition risks such as discarding cigarettes from vehicles, parking over dry grass, and fireworks.

Within Duval County, the City of Jacksonville maintains a year-round restriction on open burning for residents, with limited permitting for specific commercial land-clearing activity. City guidance states that burning household or yard waste is illegal for residential properties.

What residents can do during elevated fire risk periods

• Avoid outdoor burning and follow any county burn bans or permit requirements.
• Do not discard cigarettes outdoors or from vehicles, and avoid parking vehicles over dry grass.
• Keep grills attended and fully extinguish coals after use.
• Report smoke or fires promptly and follow evacuation instructions if issued.

In recent incidents, residents near brush fires described rapid changes in smoke and flame behavior, underscoring how quickly a small ignition can become a neighborhood threat under dry conditions.

Fire officials and local governments continue to monitor conditions as the region remains vulnerable to fast-moving brush fires, particularly in areas where dry vegetation borders neighborhoods and wooded lots.