Freezing conditions<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n What to know: Florida interstate closed overnight from fire now open. <\/a><\/p>\n Weather alerts issued in Florida. Where were red flag warnings issued today?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What is a red flag warning?<\/p>\n A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.<\/p>\n Factors considered to issue a red flag warning include a combination of:<\/p>\n Fires in Florida: Officials believe human caused fire at Big Cypress National Preserve<\/a><\/p>\n Fire risks increase under red flag warning in Florida<\/p>\n The combination of conditions as mentioned above “results in an increased risk for a wildland fire <\/a>or rapid-fire growth if an incident were to occur,” according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs.<\/p>\n “A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now\u2026.or will shortly,” the NWS says<\/a>. “A combination of strong winds\u2026low relative humidity\u2026and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”<\/p>\n Red flag warning safety tips<\/p>\n Here’s what you can do to reduce the chance for wildfires<\/a> while under a red flag warning, according to IFAC.org:<\/p>\n Avoid using lawn mowers in dry vegetation<\/p>\n Follow local fire restrictions on use of chainsaws, mowers and other equipment during high-risk times.<\/p>\n Follow fire restrictions and burn bans in your area<\/p>\n Extinguish outdoor fires properly and never leave them unattended<\/p>\n Soak ashes and charcoal in water and dispose of them in a metal can<\/p>\n Report unattended outdoor fires immediately<\/p>\n Never throw cigarettes or matches out of a vehicle<\/p>\n Do not drive in dry, tall grass<\/p>\n Ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground<\/p>\n Burn bans in effect across Florida Thirty-five of Florida’s 67 counties have issued burn bans, as of Feb. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n County-enacted burn bans issued on Feb. 17 are still in effect for 35 of Florida’s 67 counties as of Feb. 26.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Burn bans are issued when there’s a high risk for wildfires and include such conditions as:<\/p>\n Current drought conditions in FloridaStay informed. Get weather alerts via textWhat’s next?<\/p>\n We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site’s app to ensure you’re always connected to the news. And look for our\u00a0special subscription offers here<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Thirty-five](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772142313_693_683aa6e64b7887b2d0fcad874aeb0f4a.jpeg\"\/)
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