ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Walk outside this morning and smell smoke in the air? You're not alone.
The risk of fire danger in the Tampa Bay area has prompted a red flag warning for much of the region.
The warning, issued by the National Weather Service, will last from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. It applies to Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk and Sarasota counties.
"Critically low humidity with gusty winds and high Energy Release Component" will result in elevated fire danger in the area, the agency said. ERC indicates how hot a fire could burn, according to the National Fire Danger Rating System.
Breezy southeast winds and low fuel moisture will create red flag conditions for a few hours in the afternoon as the moisture in the air drops below 35 percent, NWS said.
Winds coming from the southeast will be between 15-20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph.
What does this mean for you? Hold off on outdoor burning as fires could spread rapidly.
Here are some fire safety tips from the National Weather Service to keep in mind:
- If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
- Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
- Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
Oftentimes, carelessness in someone's behavior can cause wildfires fires to spark, said Deputy Chief of Administration Tim Mossgrove of Plant City Fire Rescue.
"The conditions are ready for a wildfire," Mossgrove said. "It’s extremely important for people to be aware or be accountable for their actions and do their part.”
Mossgrove adds that common outdoor chores like the burning of leaves or tree limbs, along with other yard work have the potential to ignite fires. As can driving through grass or leaves during red flag conditions.
In April 2017, a commercial lawnmower sparked a fire that led to I-275 and Gandy Boulevard shutting down, according to St. Pete Fire Rescue.
As of Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., the Florida Forest Service reports 42 active wildfires and 26 contained fires across the state.