Tallahassee, Florida – Fires could race through dry brush within minutes starting at 1 p.m. Sunday as gusty northwest winds and critically low humidity grip the Florida Big Bend through early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday for inland and coastal areas including Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Wakulla, Taylor, Dixie, Lafayette, Franklin and southern Liberty counties. Northwest winds will range from 16 to 22 mph, with gusts between 25 and 30 mph. Relative humidity will fall as low as 25 percent, drying fuels already stressed by ongoing drought conditions.
Communities from Tallahassee and Madison south to Crawfordville, Perry and Apalachicola face elevated wildfire danger. Open fields and wooded areas along U.S. 98, U.S. 19 and Interstate 10 could see flames spread quickly if ignited by debris burning, lawn equipment or roadside sparks.
Officials urge residents to avoid all outdoor burning, secure trailer chains and properly dispose of cigarettes. Fire crews will remain on heightened alert through sunset, and additional advisories could follow if dry and breezy conditions persist into the week ahead.
