Florida Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Florida - July 11, 2026

Overview

Florida is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by below-normal precipitation along the East Coast and persistent dry conditions that have extended into the summer. The Florida Forest Service anticipates this above-average wildfire potential to continue throughout July and August, particularly across central and south Florida. So far in 2026, the state has recorded nearly 2,000 wildfires that have consumed more than 120,000 acres statewide. The current National Preparedness Level is 4, indicating that national wildland fire resources are heavily committed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are multiple active wildfires burning across Florida, with significant wildland fire activity occurring in several geographic areas. While summer lightning remains a potent natural ignition source, human-caused fires continue to be a primary driver of the state's wildfire activity. Firefighters are actively working to contain existing blazes while preparing for new starts triggered by dry conditions and seasonal thunderstorms.

Key Fires:

• Big Cypress National Preserve Fire: This significant human-caused fire is burning through fire-adapted ecosystems, primarily fueled by pine flatwoods and scrub. Over the last 72 hours, it has produced dense smoke across the Florida Heartland Region, leading to the temporary closure of Alligator Alley (I-75). Burnout operations have prompted the evacuation of the nearby community of Jerome as crews work to secure the perimeter.
• Rockvil Fire: Burning west of Rockvil along State Road 2, this fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior, recently producing a large pyrocumulus cloud. It is being fueled by heavy vegetation, dry underbrush, and timber.
• Everglades National Park Fire: Located west of U.S. Route 27, this fire has forced the closure of portions of Everglades National Park. The fire is feeding on dry sawgrass and prairie brush, and crews are working to limit its spread into sensitive ecological areas.
• Apalachicola National Forest Fire: A human-caused fire burning in the Apalachicola National Forest. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which is actively consuming longleaf pine stands and dry surface fuels.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Florida’s ecosystems depend on periodic burns (typically every 3 to 7 years) to maintain ecological health and sustain species like the gopher tortoise and regenerating longleaf pine. The Florida Forest Service and local ranger districts utilize prescribed burns to manage fuel loads and reduce catastrophic wildfire risk; however, widespread land management burns are currently being carefully evaluated and in some cases curtailed due to the elevated fire risk and dry conditions.

Air Quality: Dense smoke from the Big Cypress National Preserve Fire is heavily impacting the Florida Heartland Region and occasionally drifting toward the Miami Metropolitan Area. Residents in these areas, as well as those near ongoing burnout operations, should remain aware of air quality alerts, limit outdoor activities if smoke is thick, and exercise caution while driving due to reduced visibility.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Hot and dry conditions persist across much of the state. Precipitation has remained below normal for the Florida Peninsula, leaving vegetation and surface fuels critically dry and receptive to sparks.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center has issued a moderate risk of extreme heat across portions of the Florida Peninsula heading into the upcoming week (July 18-19). A deamplifying mid-level high-pressure system will keep temperatures high. The combination of extreme heat, dry fuels, and the potential for lightning strikes from isolated summer thunderstorms will keep the fire danger elevated over the coming days.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to be mindful of fire traffic and road closures, particularly along Alligator Alley and State Road 2. With recent Independence Day celebrations concluding, officials continue to warn the public about the dangers of human-caused sparks, including escaped yard debris burns and equipment use. Residents should have an emergency plan in place and clear dead brush and debris from their properties to create defensible space.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging, extreme heat conditions. Agencies are coordinating state and national support to manage the high volume of incidents, conduct burnout operations safely, and mitigate risks in wildland-urban interface areas.

Resources

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.