A burn ban is now in effect across most of Indian River County and all of St. Lucie County, effective February 7, 2026, after a red flag warning signaling conditions ripe for wildfires and ongoing drought across the region.

The burn bans follow a red flag weather warning that ended February 6, highlighting elevated wildfire risk as drought persists per the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Motorists are urged to avoid driving over dry grass and to refrain from idling to prevent ignitions and the potential spread of fires.

Residents are urged to comply with the burn ban and stay tuned for further updates from county officials.

A 240-acre brush fire occurred near NW 160th Street and 144th Avenue in Okeechobee County, underscoring the fire danger during the drought.

In St. Lucie County, outdoor burning of any combustible material is prohibited, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, fireworks, and most cooking fires unless using a gas or charcoal grill.

St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties declared burn bans on Saturday, prohibiting all non-permitted outdoor burning with agricultural burning allowed only on a case-by-case basis by the Florida Forest Service.

During the state of emergency, bans include outdoor burning of any combustibles, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, fireworks, and cooking fires unless using a contained grill.

Fire officials warn of critically low vegetation moisture and heightened wildfire spread risk as the burn bans are implemented across the region.

A countywide burn ban was issued in Okeechobee County after vegetation moisture dropped to critically low levels, signaling high wildfire risk.

Martin County has not issued a burn ban as of February 7, 2026, though drought conditions are impacting the region.