Summer, drought, burn ban, and fireworks for the Fourth of July!

The St. Johns River Water Management District bumped up its Phase II restrictions to Phase III on May 13. Water use restrictions have been ordered in response to ongoing exceptional drought conditions, declining groundwater levels, and reduced surface water flow. We are still experiencing drought conditions in Florida despite some recent rainfall. Nassau County lifted the countywide burn ban on May 18.

Here are some guidelines from the Nassau County Emergency Management website regarding safe burning and water conservation:

Residents may burn yard waste (vegetative debris, branches, palm fronds, leaves) without an authorization permit only if:
 

• The yard waste was generated on the same property as it is open-burned.
• The yard waste is enclosed in a non-combustible container or kept in a pile less than 8 feet in diameter.
• The fire is started after 9 a.m. and fully extinguished one hour before sunset.
• All burning material is kept at least 25 feet from brush, shrubs, trees, and any combustible structure.
• Burning material is kept at least 50 feet from paved roads and 150 feet from any home or occupied building, other than that of the landowner. 
• Burning must be attended with fire extinguishing equipment ready at all times.

Current Outdoor Water Use Schedule:

Houses with ODD numbered addresses - Saturday
Houses with EVEN numbered addresses - Sunday
Business/Non-residential properties - Tuesday 

• Recent rain has not been enough to improve the water table. The District’s Water Shortage Plan allows for progressively stronger measures if conditions continue to worsen.
• NO landscape irrigation is permitted between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. until further notice.  
• Irrigation is permitted for only one hour on either Saturday (odd) or Sunday (even), depending on street address.
• If you have not already reset your irrigation timer to water only for one hour (between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.) on your assigned day of the week, this should be done immediately.
• Inspect irrigation systems for leaks and ensure sprinklers are not watering streets, sidewalks, or driveways.

With July Fourth right around the corner, you may be wondering what will happen with fireworks this year. 

Jason Higginbotham, Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal for the Fernandina Beach Fire Department, expressed his thoughts about fireworks and safety this year:

- While the recent lifting of the burn ban is certainly welcome news, it does not eliminate the fire risks that are associated with fireworks. As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and keep fire safety at the forefront of their plans.

- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professionally conducted public display. If residents choose to use consumer fireworks where permitted by Florida law, they should carefully follow all manufacturer instructions, keep a water source readily available, maintain a safe distance from structures, vehicles, and vegetation, and never allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks.

- We also remind residents that sparklers can reach temperatures of approximately 2,000 degrees and can cause serious burns. Used fireworks should be soaked thoroughly in water before disposal, and fireworks should never be relit if they fail to ignite properly.

- Although recent rainfall has improved conditions, dry vegetation can still be present in localized areas. We ask everyone to be mindful of their surroundings and take the necessary precautions to prevent accidental fires.

- The Fernandina Beach Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day. By exercising caution and good judgment, we can all help ensure the holiday is remembered for the celebration, not an emergency.

Enjoy the summer, conserve water, and have a great, safe Fourth of July holiday, 2026!