Florida Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Florida - August 20, 2026

Overview

Florida is currently experiencing an extended and highly active wildfire season that has persisted well into the summer months. While the state typically sees its peak wildfire activity from April through June, above-average wildfire potential has kept fire crews heavily engaged through July and August. So far in 2026, the state has recorded nearly 2,000 wildfires that have consumed over 120,000 acres statewide. Currently, the Florida Forest Service is tracking 6 active significant fires burning across approximately 576 acres, though firefighters continue to monitor the perimeters of several massive fires that ignited earlier in the season.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Firefighters are actively managing multiple fires across the state. While high humidity is aiding suppression efforts, daily thunderstorms are producing frequent lightning strikes, which have led to several new starts over the last 72 hours, including the 241 Rd Fire and the 365 Fire. Crews are prioritizing rapid initial attack on these new ignitions while patrolling the contained edges of the state's larger fires.

Key Fires:

• National Fire (Verona Walk): Located in the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County, this is the largest fire of the 2026 season, having burned 35,027 acres. It is fueled by dense pine flatwoods, scrub, sawgrass, and downed debris from past storms. While firefighters have successfully brought this fire to 100% containment, it remains a significant incident due to its massive footprint and proximity to Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley). Crews continue to monitor the area for any interior smoldering.
• HWY 41 Kendall West Fire: Burning near Kendall West, this fire has consumed 9,149 acres and is currently 77% contained. It is being fed by highly flammable scrub and sawgrass. Firefighters are working to reinforce containment lines and extinguish hotspots along the perimeter.
• 139 Fire (Hosford): This fire has burned 6,499 acres and remains a priority for monitoring and mop-up operations.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land management agencies are actively utilizing prescribed fire to reduce hazardous fuel loads and promote the health of Florida's fire-dependent ecosystems. Over the last 72 hours, the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department conducted prescribed burns at the Triple Creek Nature Preserve and the Upper Little Manatee River (Dent Parcel) for ecological restoration. Additionally, the Southwest Florida Water Management District successfully completed a 281-acre prescribed fire at the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve in Sumter County.
Note: The Ocala National Forest is currently under Stage 1 fire restrictions to prevent human-caused wildfires.

Air Quality: Smoke from active wildfires and ongoing prescribed burns may cause localized visibility reductions. Residents near the recent prescribed burn areas in Hillsborough and Sumter counties, as well as those near active fire perimeters, should remain aware of potential smoke impacts and exercise caution when driving.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A long-duration heat wave is currently gripping the state. Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories are in effect, particularly across North Florida, with heat index values peaking in the lower to middle 110s.
Forecasted Weather: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across the state today and into the weekend, driven by daily sea breezes. While minimum relative humidity values remain well above critical fire weather levels, the forecasted thunderstorms pose a significant risk. These storms will be capable of producing frequent lightning, which could spark new fires, as well as gusty, erratic winds of 45 to 55 mph that could fan existing flames. High afternoon smoke dispersions are expected in parts of North Florida.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents living within the wildland-urban interface, particularly near fire-prone pine flatwoods and scrub ecosystems, are advised to create defensible space. Clear all dead vegetation, leaves, and debris within 30 feet of your home, and keep gutters and roofs clear of pine needles.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under hazardous heat conditions. Agencies are focusing their resources on rapid response to new lightning-caused starts and conducting critical fuel mitigation projects in high-risk areas to prevent future catastrophic spread.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Florida Division of Emergency Management: www.floridadisaster.org
Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information: www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.