Putnam County Emergency Management

06/01/2026

🌀IT'S HURRICANE SEASON🌀

Hurricane season officially starts today, June 1, and lasts until November 30.
Take time today to check your disaster supplies and plan.

Even though we are moving into a strong El Niño, which typically suppresses hurricane development, all it takes is one storm. Hurricane Andrew was an El Niño storm, so stay ready!

05/27/2026

🔥BURN BAN LIFTED🔥
May 26, 2026

Upon recommendation and discussion with Florida Forest Service and Putnam County Fire Rescue, the unincorporated Putnam County burn ban is lifted.
There is still a burn ban in place for the Town of Pomona Park.

We urge citizens to take precautions when burning. Under state law, only vegetation is allowed to be burned , so no cardboard, trash, etc.
Make sure the area surrounding the burn area is clear of debris, burn away from buildings, ensure the is plenty of water on hand, and completely extinguish all embers and ashes when leaving the fire unattended.

05/19/2026

🔥BURN BAN EXTENSION🔥
May 19, 2026

Burn ban extensions are in place for unincorporated Putnam County, Town of Interlachen, and Town Of Pomona Park est 1894 through May 26, 2026.

While Putnam County has received rain in the past week, we are still under a D3 extreme drought. Since May 2025, we are at a 14.15" rain deficit. The KBDI as of May 18 is 486. Current forecast rainfall over the next 7 days is .01-.1".

What is not allowed during the burn ban:
🔥Outdoor burning
🎆Use of explosive or combustible compounds
🚗Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
🚭Throwing out ci******es or matches

What IS allowed?
🌭Outdoor grills in preparing food
🌲Activities for which a valid state open burn authorization has been issued by the Florida Forest Service

05/12/2026

🔥BURN BAN EXTENSIONS🔥
May 12, 2026

Burn bans in Putnam County have been extended for 7 days, through May 19.

Despite recent rains, dry conditions persist. The county remains in a D3 extreme drought, and KBDI is 510.

The only burning allowed is in a grill for preparation of food or with a burn authorization issued through Florida Forest Service.

Burn activities not allowed:
🔥Outdoor burning
🎆Explosive or combustible materials
🚗Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
🚭Throwing ci******es or matches onto grassy areas

05/06/2026

🔥PUTNAM COUNTY BURN BAN EXTENDED🔥
May 6, 2026

The burn ban in unincorporated Putnam County has been extended through May 12, 2026, when conditions will be reevaluated.

Burn bans are also in place for:
Town of Interlachen through May 12
Town of Pomona Park through May 12

Despite recent rain, the County remains in a D3 extreme drought, and the KBDI for May 5 is 575. The NWS has issued Fire Weather Watches for this week due to low humidity and wind speeds.

05/03/2026

🌀HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK🌀
🌊KNOW YOUR ZONE🌊

Storm surge and flooding are the leading cause of death during tropical cyclones.
While Putnam County is an inland county, due to the tidal nature of the St John's River, storm surge does occur. Evacuation Zones are based on storm surge levels and property elevation along the shoreline.

Find your zones by address:
🌀Evacuation Zone: https://pcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a721502409d64764b0642f90119b8a00
🌊Flood Zone: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

05/01/2026

⛈️STRONG STORMS POSSIBLE SATURDAY⛈️
May 1, 2026

****May 2, 2026, 9 AM UPDATE****
The greater strong to severe storm threat is looking to position near and south of the I-10 corridor, especially for Alachua, Putnam, Marion & Flagler counties this afternoon where enough surface instability can develop on the southern side of the warm front.
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NWS Storm Prediction Center has placed Putnam County at a slight risk for strong to severe storms Saturday, May 2, in the afternoon and evening timeframe.

Current forecasts:
🌧.5-1" of rain (much needed)
🌬Wind gusts 25-30 mph, with higher gusts possible
🌪Low risk for tornadoes and hail

Straight-line winds containing strong wind gusts can cause a significant amount of damage, and those damages often get confused with tornado damages.
Check the forecast before you head out for any outdoor activities.
If thunder roars, go indoors.

The Storm Prediction Center upgraded areas south of Waycross to a Slight risk (level 2/5) for severe storms Saturday. The main hazard is damaging wind gusts, but there remains a low risk of tornadoes & hail.

Timing:
Southeast GA: morning
Northeast FL: afternoon/evening

04/27/2026

🔥RAILROAD FIRE UPDATE🔥
April 27, 2026

04/26/2026

🔥WILDFIRE SAFETY🔥

WILDFIRE SAFETY ALERT!!!

⚠️🔥 Stay Away from Wildfire Areas — Even After Flames Die Down 🔥⚠️

Just because fire activity appears to have slowed does not mean the area is safe. Wildfire scenes can remain dangerous long after visible flames are gone.

🚫 For your safety and the safety of firefighters, please stay out of burned areas. Hazards may include:

🌲 Falling snags – Fire-weakened trees and limbs can fall without warning.

🔥 Hot ash pockets – Hidden hot spots under the surface can cause serious burns or collapse under your feet.

🚜 Heavy equipment – Bulldozers, engines, and other firefighting equipment may still be working in the area, and operators may not see pedestrians nearby.

💨 Smoke and poor air quality – Lingering smoke can be unhealthy, especially for children, older adults, and those with breathing conditions.

🔥 Changing fire conditions – Wind and weather can quickly cause fire activity to increase again.

Please respect closures, barriers, and directions from emergency personnel. Staying away helps keep everyone safe and allows firefighters to finish their work.

04/26/2026

🔥RAILROAD COMPLEX FIRE UPDATES🔥
April 26, 2026