The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for six counties in Florida today, Thursday, Feb. 26, that is expected to continue through 6 p.m. According to the NWS, low humidity and gusty winds from the southwest are resulting in a chance of fire throughout east-central Florida.
The warning follows drought conditions that continue to worsen in the state. Earlier this week, red flag warnings were issued for 33 of Florida’s 67 counties.
Freezing conditions that extended into South Florida in early February didn’t help, killing plants and trees across the state. Here’s what a red flag warning means and some safety tips.
What to know: Florida interstate closed overnight from fire now open.
Weather alerts issued in Florida. Where were red flag warnings issued today?
The red flag warning issued on Thursday, Feb. 26, was issued for Volusia, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Northern Brevard Counties, and is in effect until 6 p.m.
What is a red flag warning?
A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.
Factors considered to issue a red flag warning include a combination of:
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The combination of conditions as mentioned above “results in an increased risk for a wildland fire or rapid-fire growth if an incident were to occur,” according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now….or will shortly,” the NWS says. “A combination of strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”
Red flag warning safety tips
Here’s what you can do to reduce the chance for wildfires while under a red flag warning, according to IFAC.org:
Avoid using lawn mowers in dry vegetation
Follow local fire restrictions on use of chainsaws, mowers and other equipment during high-risk times.
Follow fire restrictions and burn bans in your area
Extinguish outdoor fires properly and never leave them unattended
Soak ashes and charcoal in water and dispose of them in a metal can
Report unattended outdoor fires immediately
Never throw cigarettes or matches out of a vehicle
Do not drive in dry, tall grass
Ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground
Burn bans in effect across Florida
Thirty-five of Florida’s 67 counties have issued burn bans, as of Feb. 17, 2026.
County-enacted burn bans issued on Feb. 17 are still in effect for 35 of Florida’s 67 counties as of Feb. 26.
A burn ban typically prohibits the outside burning of yard trash and vegetation, as well as campfires, bonfires and burn barrels, but can vary by county.
Burn bans are issued when there’s a high risk for wildfires and include such conditions as:
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Red flag warning issued in 6 Florida counties with high fire risk today