Jacksonville, Florida – Wildfires could spread rapidly by midafternoon as strong northwest winds and dry air combine to create explosive fire growth conditions across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia through 9 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday for all of northeast and north central Florida and portions of southeast Georgia, including Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Alachua, Marion, Columbia and Nassau counties, along with Echols, Clinch and Charlton counties in Georgia. Northwest winds will range from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Relative humidity will fall as low as 20 percent, while afternoon temperatures climb to around 72 degrees.
Communities from Jacksonville and Gainesville to Waycross and Lake City face heightened wildfire danger. Dry vegetation along Interstate 10, Interstate 95 and U.S. 1 could ignite quickly from vehicle sparks, equipment use or discarded cigarettes. Ongoing fires may become difficult to contain under erratic wind shifts.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains and delay activities that create sparks. A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect Monday afternoon and evening, signaling another round of elevated wildfire risk across the region.
