Backyard campfires and bonfires are 'open burning' under Escambia County Code Sec. 50-1 and are prohibited whenever the Florida Forest Service Drought Index reaches 700 or a burn ban is declared. Outdoor cooking in grills and smokers is exempt. Keep any legal fire attended and clear of structures.
Escambia County Code Sec. 50-1 lists campfires and bonfires within its definition of open burning, so a backyard recreational fire is not a free activity. Open burning is prohibited throughout the county, including the heavily unincorporated beaches and inland communities, whenever the Florida Division of Forestry Drought Index meets or exceeds 700 in any area of the county, or when the Fire Chief issues an order of prohibition or determines an immediate fire-borne threat exists. When no ban is in effect, a small backyard fire should follow the same safety practices as debris burning: kept well away from your home and neighboring structures, attended at all times, and fully extinguished. Barbecue grills, smokers, and outdoor stoves used for cooking at
Lighting a recreational fire during a burn ban or when the Drought Index is 700+ is enforced by Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service. Penalties include county code citations and state fines, plus liability for suppression costs
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