Florida Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Florida - May 20, 2026

Overview

Florida is experiencing an extremely active wildfire season driven by a severe and prolonged drought affecting the entire state. A lack of substantial rain, unseasonably high temperatures, and critically dry vegetation have created a highly volatile environment for wildfires. Since the beginning of the year, over 2,100 wildfires have consumed nearly 136,000 acres. State leaders warn that Florida is only entering the peak of its wildfire season, with well-above-normal wildfire potential expected to persist through the summer months. State and local resources are heavily committed to managing ongoing incidents.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires across Florida, particularly in the southern and central regions, requiring significant support from the Florida Forest Service and local fire rescue crews. The potential for new significant wildfires to start in the next several days remains well above normal due to severe drought conditions and the threat of dry lightning. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain these blazes while also preparing for potential new starts.

Key Fires:

• Big Cypress National Preserve Fire: This significant human-caused fire is burning through highly flammable pine flatwoods and cypress in the Big Cypress National Preserve. It has produced dense smoke across the Florida Heartland Region, leading to the temporary closure of Alligator Alley. The fire prompted the evacuation of the community of Jerome to safely allow crews to conduct burnout operations.
• Central Levy County Fire: Located near the Goethe State Forest, this fire has prompted widespread evacuations in the surrounding areas. Crews are actively working to establish containment lines in the dry timber and southern rough brush that are feeding the flames.
• Everglades National Park Fire: Burning west of U.S. Route 27 in Everglades National Park, this fire is fueled by dry sawgrass and dense brush. It has caused dense smoke throughout the Miami Metropolitan Area and forced the closure of several parts of the park.
• SR 26 Fire: Currently estimated at 306 acres and 60% contained. Firefighters, utilizing heavy dozers and aircraft, are focused on widening containment lines and mopping up hot spots before incoming weather fronts bring gusty winds that could increase fire behavior.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Florida typically leads the nation in the use of prescribed fire to reduce fuel loads and protect communities, treating approximately 2 million acres annually. However, due to the current extreme fire danger, nearly 40 counties across Florida have implemented active burn bans. The Florida Forest Service is heavily enforcing these bans, which prohibit all outdoor open burning, including yard debris and campfires, to prevent human-caused ignitions.

Air Quality: Dense smoke from the Big Cypress and Everglades fires is significantly impacting air quality across the Florida Heartland and the Miami Metropolitan Area. Residents in these regions, especially those with respiratory conditions, should remain indoors when smoke is visible and exercise extreme caution while driving due to reduced visibility.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Intense heat is present across the state, with inland temperatures reaching the mid-90s, approaching record highs for this time of year. Relative humidity levels are critically low, dropping into the 15-20 percent range in some areas.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect across multiple regions, including Central Florida (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, and Brevard counties) as well as parts of North and South Florida. Sustained winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25-30 mph, combined with the severe drought, are creating a tinderbox environment. Meteorologists note that the Hot Dry Windy Index is exceeding the 90th percentile, meaning any new fire starts will likely spread rapidly and prove difficult to contain.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to strictly adhere to local burn bans and avoid any outdoor activities that could produce a spark. With over one-fifth of wildfires caused by arson or reckless behavior, officials are reminding the public that human-caused fires will be met with severe penalties. It is crucial to have an emergency evacuation plan in place and to create defensible space around properties by clearing dead brush.
Resource Allocation: The Florida Forest Service is fully engaged, with wildland firefighters working around the clock. Agencies are coordinating with local fire departments to manage the elevated fire risk and are pre-positioning resources, including dozers and aircraft, in high-risk areas to rapidly respond to new ignitions.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Current Wildfires): FDACS.gov/CurrentWildfires
Be Wildfire Ready Florida: BeWildfireReadyFL.com
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.