OFFICIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE EXTENSION OF THE HIGHLANDS COUNTY BURN BAN
TO: All Municipalities and Special Benefit Districts within Highlands County, Florida
FROM: J. Kelly Duppenthaler, Fire Chief, Highlands County Fire Rescue
DATE: June 9, 2026
RE: Extension of the Highlands County Burn Ban through August 4, 2026
Due to the fire hazard conditions existing in Highlands County, a burn ban has been in effect throughout all areas of the County since January 6, 2026. The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will be considering a further extension of the burn ban at its June 16, 2026 regularly scheduled meeting. If approved, this extension will continue through August 4, 2026, which includes Independence Day (July 4, 2026). The proposed extension will provide an exemption for fireworks displays hosted by government entities, as described herein.
Any fireworks display in observance of Independence Day will be a violation of the County’s burn ban, except for a display that meets all the following criteria in addition to complying with all applicable permit requirements:
1) Hosted by a government entity;
2) Occurs in observance of Independence Day;
3) Takes place over water; and
4) Has adequate fire protection services provided by the hosting government entity or the hosting government entity has made arrangements for adequate fire protection services with Highlands County Fire Rescue and agrees to pay any applicable fee for the same.
We ask all municipalities and special benefit districts to assist in educating the public regarding the burn ban and ensuring a safe Independence Day.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to public safety.
Sincerely,
J. Kelly Duppenthaler
Fire Chief
Highlands County Fire Rescue