Red flag wildfire warning issued across South Florida
Nearly all of South Florida was under a Red Flag Warning on Saturday as the National Weather Service in Miami warns of dangerous fire weather conditions that could lead to fast-spreading wildfires.
The warning, which includes Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, is in effect until 7 p.m.
Other counties also under warning include Monroe, Palm Beach and Collier.
Red Flag warnings are a rare alert, but last month, South Florida saw many fire weather alerts as a sprawling brush fire in south Miami-Dade County consumed more than 26,000 acres.
The blaze took days to be fully contained and intermittently shut down Card Sound Road and the 18-mile stretch of U.S. into the Florida Keys.
READ MORE: Live updates: U.S. 1, Card Sound Road both fully open; brush fire 50% contained
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Saturday’s warning was issued due to a combination of dry air, gusty winds, and warm temperatures. According to the NWS, northwest winds are expected to range between 10 and 15 miles per hour, while relative humidity levels could drop as low as 20 percent. Temperatures are forecast to rise to around 82 degrees.
The NWS says that any fires that start Saturday afternoon could grow quickly out of control. As a result, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to avoid any activities that could create sparks or flames. The warning replaces a previous Fire Weather Watch.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly,” the NWS said in its advisory. “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”