Discover Florida’s year-round wildfire risks, contributing factors, and prevention strategies, plus key historical events and community awareness.

While many states experience seasonal wildfires, Florida faces this environmental challenge throughout the year, with peak danger occurring between late spring and early summer, per Florida Public Radio Emergency Network. The Sunshine State ranks second nationally in wildfire frequency, and climate changes are pushing the peak fire season to start earlier than in previous decades.

The state’s history includes devastating fires that have shaped current prevention policies. The 1998 Florida Firestorm stands as the state’s most destructive wildfire event, consuming over 500,000 acres, destroying more than 300 homes, and resulting in approximately $300 million in timber losses. This catastrophic event prompted 47 states to send emergency assistance and led to the postponement of the Daytona 400 racing event.

Understanding the weather-wildfire connection

Weather conditions play a crucial role in both starting and spreading wildfires. Florida’s dry season, spanning October through May, creates ideal conditions for fire development. The Florida Forest Service actively manages this risk through prescribed burns, treating approximately 2 million acres annually to prevent uncontrolled wildfires.

Red flag warnings and safety measures

Three key weather factors contribute to fire risk: Humidity levels, wind conditions, and temperature. And local weather services issue red flag warnings when conditions become particularly dangerous. These warnings are triggered by specific criteria:

For North Florida:

• Relative humidity below 28 percent
• Wind speeds exceeding 15 mph
• Energy Release Component of 26 or higher

For Peninsular Florida:

• Relative humidity below 35 percent
• Wind speeds exceeding 15 mph
• Energy Release Component of 27 or higher

Human activity causes the majority of wildfires—studies show that between 1992 and 2013, humans were responsible for five out of six fires in the United States. This risk is compounded by increasing development in wetland areas, putting more communities at risk from both flames and toxic smoke.

Residents must stay informed about local burn bans and weather conditions that could promote fire spread. The transformation of wetlands into residential areas has increased the population at risk, making community awareness and prevention efforts more critical than ever.

This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.