Weather

Red Flag Warning issued for Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Red Flag Warning for Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties, effective from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT on October 16, 2024.

Jared Williams

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A Red Flag Warning has been issued for three Florida Panhandle counties, signaling increased fire danger due to weather conditions.

Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox announced on October 15 that the National Weather Service in Mobile has issued the warning for Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. The warning will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, October 16.

According to Maddox, winds from the north are expected to range from 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. Relative humidity is forecasted to drop as low as 25%.

“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly,” Maddox warned.

The Public Safety Director emphasized that while this is not a burn ban, which would require a local declaration of emergency, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during the specified period.

“It is a notice that outdoor burning is not recommended and strongly discouraged during the noted dates and times,” Maddox stated.

Residents in the affected counties are urged to exercise caution and avoid any activities that could potentially spark a fire during the Red Flag Warning period.

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Red Flag Warning issued for Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties

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