The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners approved to extend the burn ban at Nov 6th's commission committee meeting. The ban is now in effect through Fri., Nov. 10 and may be extended or terminated by the board of county commissioners at that time. A burn ban means that Santa Rosa County residents are not allowed to have open fires of any type, including camp fires, bonfires, yard or leaf burning, etc. There are two exemptions: cooking on/in barbecue grills and burning authorized by permit from the Florida Forest Service.

Residents are reminded that burning trash is always illegal. The burn ban is applicable within the unincorporated and incorporated territory of Santa Rosa County. Any change in the burn ban will be made by county press release, through local news media, the county's email subscribers, social media and the county website.

Santa Rosa County Public Safety - Emergency Management reminds residents to take the following actions to protect their families and homes from fire danger:

- Create at least 30 feet of defensible – clean and green – space around your home.
- Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and backyards.
- Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters.
- Use extreme caution when grilling.
- Properly discard of cigarettes.
- Call 9-1-1 if you see fire in your area.