Red flag warnings signal different dangers in St. Johns County

St. Johns County officials are reminding residents that red flag warnings can signal very different hazards depending on the setting. The St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs recently produced an educational video to help residents understand the difference between:

• Beach warning flags (lifesaving alerts for swimmers)

• Fire weather red flag warnings (critical wildfire risk alerts)

The video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBJEoSpfWbk.

Red flags at beaches

At St. Johns County beaches, red flags indicate hazardous surf conditions, including:

• Strong currents

• Life-threatening rip currents

• Unsafe swimming conditions

These warnings are issued to protect swimmers and are commonly displayed along the coastline.

“If red flags are flying, it’s not the day to test your swimming skills,” said Jeremy Watkins, marine rescue lieutenant with St. Johns County Fire Rescue.

Fire weather red flag warnings

A red flag warning for fire weather means conditions are ideal for rapid wildfire growth and spread.

Key risk factors include:

• Low humidity

• Strong winds

• Dry vegetation

“Low humidity, strong winds and dry vegetation create the perfect recipe where a single spark can turn into a fast-moving brush fire,” said Michelle Maylon, forestry supervisor for the Florida Forest Service. “That spark can come from something small — yard debris, tossed cigarettes, equipment sparks or even dragging trailer chains on the road.”

Extreme drought elevating wildfire danger

In February, St. Johns County Emergency Management urged residents to take extra precautions as extreme drought conditions elevated wildfire risk across the region. Even small ignition sources can quickly become dangerous wildfires.

Wildfire prevention

St. Johns County officials urge residents to take the following fire prevention and safety precautions:

• Avoid bonfires, campfires, fireworks and recreational burning, especially during windy conditions

• Postpone yard debris burning and follow all Florida Forest Service burn authorization requirements

• Properly discard cigarettes — never throw smoking materials onto the ground or from vehicles

• Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, where hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation

• Use caution with spark-producing equipment, including chainsaws, trailers and lawn equipment

• Clear dry vegetation and debris from around homes to create defensible space

• Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911

Stay informed

Officials emphasize that fire-related red flag warnings require immediate attention and action.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official St. Johns County Emergency Management resources:

• Follow St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook

• Follow the Florida Forest Service on Facebook

• Sign up for Alert St. Johns to receive emergency notifications

• Go to the St. Johns County Emergency Management webpage for updates and safety resources

Key takeaway

Not all red flag warnings mean the same thing, but both situations can be life-threatening.

Understanding the difference helps St. Johns County residents stay safe, prevent wildfires and avoid dangerous beach conditions.