Red Flag Warning Issued for Okeechobee and Treasure Coast Counties Through Monday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Melbourne, FL, has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect for parts of east-central Florida. This alert signifies that critical fire weather conditions are expected to occur, driven by a combination of low humidity and strong winds. This warning replaces the previously issued Fire Weather Watch for today, which is no longer in effect.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions and counties are included in the warning area:

• Counties: Okeechobee, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin.
• Specific Zones: Coastal and Inland Indian River, Coastal and Inland St. Lucie, Coastal and Inland Martin, and Okeechobee.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. A Red Flag Warning indicates that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Residents should prepare accordingly and monitor local conditions.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Northwest winds around 15 mph with gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph on Monday.
• Humidity: Critically low humidity levels between 20 and 30 percent.
• Impact: High fire danger with the potential for rapid fire spread.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is specifically in effect from 9:00 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST on Monday, February 23, 2026.