Orlando, Florida – Outdoor burning could spark fast-moving brush fires across northern portions of east central Florida this afternoon as humidity drops to near 30 percent and southwest winds gust to 25 mph between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST for Volusia, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Northern Brevard counties. Sustained southwest winds around 15 mph, combined with gusts between 20 and 25 mph, will align with peak daytime heating to create critical fire weather conditions.
Communities including Orlando, Daytona Beach, Sanford, Kissimmee and Titusville face the highest risk during the mid to late afternoon hours. Inland Northern Brevard and the Northern Brevard Barrier Islands are also included in the warning.
Any fire that develops could spread quickly under these conditions. Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning and urge residents to avoid activities that could generate sparks, including parking vehicles on dry grass or discarding cigarettes improperly.
Conditions are expected to improve after sunset as humidity rises and winds ease, but fire officials will continue monitoring for lingering hotspots into the evening.
