ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Weather Service issued a strong warning about the risk for wildfires Thursday across Central Florida.
Red flag warnings were in effect for Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties Thursday afternoon and into the evening with high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds creating dangerous fire conditions.
The red flag warnings remind us it’s especially important for all of us to follow the burn bans now in place.
The sign says it all. The fire danger was high Thursday across Central Florida. Crews at the Florida Forest Service in Orlando are closely monitoring dry conditions and three wildfires burning or smoldering in our region.
Frank Mazelin is duty officer and wildfire dispatcher here.
“If you get rangers out there moving around in fires close to fires, you always have to be on top of it,” he said.
Florida Forest Service spokesman Cliff Frazier says the red flag warnings mean conditions are dangerously dry.
“It can go very quickly. That’s why they call it a red flag warning. I mean, this is a very high fire danger alert,” he said.
Burn bans are in effect now in Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sumter Counties. That means residents should not burn yard debris and should not have cooking fires, campfires or bonfires. They should also be careful with mowers, ATVs and other equipment that could ignite sparks.
Volusia County fire officials say violating a burn ban in unincorporated Volusia County could lead to a fine of up to $500.
Brevard and Orange counties say violating a burn ban is a civil infraction with a fine of up to $500.
Marion County public safety officials say an illegal burn can lead to a $50 fine for a first offense, with higher fines for repeat offenders.
Lake County officials say they do not issue a fine for a first violation, but a judge can set fines for repeat offenders.
Osceola County fire officials say they focus on putting out a fire set during a burn ban and educating residents, but code enforcement can issue fines for repeat offenders.
Most counties say they rely on residents to call 911 if they see a fire they think could become dangerous.
Frazier warns a small fire can quickly get out of hand with these dry conditions.
He urges residents to comply with the orders.
“If they tell you there’s a burn ban, then please obey it. They’re telling you that for a reason,” he said.
Frazier added that even if there is not a burn ban where you live, make sure you extinguish any outdoor fire completely. He says if there’s still any smoke, it’s still burning.
Spectrum News 13 meteorologists say forecasts are not calling for heavy rain for the rest of May, making it even more important for everyone to focus on wildfire safety.