Florida Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Florida - July 31, 2026

Overview

Florida is currently managing an extended and active wildfire season driven by persistent drought conditions and extreme heat. Since the beginning of the year, more than 2,600 wildfires have burned over 155,000 acres statewide. The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions has created highly receptive fuels across the region. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) indicates that above-average significant fire potential will continue across South Florida into August.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has remained notable, particularly in the southern and central parts of the state. Firefighters are actively managing new lightning-caused starts and ongoing incidents. The severe drought has led to critically dry duff layers and vegetation, requiring continued monitoring and aggressive suppression efforts by local and state agencies.

Key Fires:

• Berger Wildfire: Located in remote western Palm Beach County near the Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area, this lightning-caused fire has burned over 13,700 acres and is currently 75% contained. It is primarily fueled by dry grass and typical Everglades vegetation. While it is not immediately threatening heavily populated communities, smoke and falling ash have impacted nearby areas.
• Holey Land (6) Fire: Sparked naturally on July 28, 2026, this fire is burning near the Broward and Palm Beach County line, south of the Holey Land Wildlife Management Area. It has burned approximately 5,400 acres and is currently 50% contained. The fire is exhibiting moderate, creeping, and flanking behavior, fueled by tall grass, dense sawgrass, marshland, and scattered shrubs.
• L 28 Fire: Located 20 miles northwest of Pembroke Pines in Broward County, this fire burned 1,000 acres of two-foot brush. Thanks to the rapid response of interagency teams, the perimeter has been secured and the fire is now 100% contained.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: On July 28, 2026, Charlotte County officially rescinded its countywide burn ban following recent localized rainfall. However, officials urge residents to remain cautious, as the risk of wildfire has not been entirely eliminated. Agricultural and silvicultural burns continue to require authorization from the Florida Forest Service. Several other counties maintain active burn bans due to elevated Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) levels.
Air Quality: Smoke from the Berger and Holey Land fires may impact surrounding communities, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours when winds are lighter and smoke tends to settle closer to the ground. This can mix with fog to significantly reduce visibility on local roadways.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Florida is experiencing dangerously oppressive heat, with "feels-like" temperatures reaching 100 to 107 degrees in many areas. Deep tropical moisture is beginning to move into parts of the state, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Forecasted Weather: An unsettled weather pattern is expected through the weekend, bringing rounds of daily downpours. While the rainfall will aid in drought relief, the greatest concerns for fire weather include frequent lightning strikes that could ignite new fires, and erratic, gusty downdraft winds (40 to 55 mph) from thunderstorms that could fan existing flames. Elevated fire risks remain a threat in localized dry pockets where rainfall has been uneven.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to avoid open flames, adhere to local burn regulations, and ensure any permitted outdoor fires are never left unattended. It is crucial to maintain a defensible space of at least 30 feet around homes by clearing dead brush, dry leaves, and yard waste. Motorists on highways near active fires should exercise extreme caution due to potential sudden drops in visibility from smoke.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters and incident command teams are actively deployed to manage ongoing incidents. Agencies are continuously monitoring weather conditions, lightning activity, and fuel dryness to allocate resources effectively across the state.

Resources

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.