Melbourne, Florida – A spark could turn into a fast-moving brush fire within minutes across Brevard County this afternoon as dry air and gusty northwest winds sweep the Space Coast, setting the stage for rapid fire spread through Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, a Fire Weather Watch remains in effect Sunday afternoon and evening for Northern Brevard Barrier Islands and all of southern Brevard County. Northwest winds will increase to around 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, while relative humidity drops near 35 percent. Conditions intensify Monday, when a Red Flag Warning takes effect from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. as humidity falls to around 25 percent and gusts reach 20 to 25 mph.
Communities from Titusville and Cocoa Beach south through Melbourne, Palm Bay and the Southern Brevard Barrier Islands face elevated wildfire risk. Dry grasses and brush along Interstate 95, U.S. 1 and State Road A1A could ignite quickly if exposed to sparks from vehicles, equipment or open flames.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains to prevent roadway sparks and properly discard cigarettes. Fire crews remain on heightened alert through Monday evening, and additional advisories are possible if dry, breezy conditions persist.
