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Record Warmth to Cold – Jacksonville Fire and Recue Department Prepares for Dramatic Weather Shift

November 07, 2025

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is urging residents to take precautions as the region braces for a dramatic temperature swing this weekend, followed by elevated fire danger and potential freezing conditions early next week.

Weather Outlook:
Near-record warmth is expected this weekend, with temperatures into the 80s. However, sharply colder weather will arrive Sunday night, bringing wind chills potentially in the 30s by Monday night. Isolated thunderstorms are possible late tonight through the weekend.

Strong northwesterly winds combined with a dry air mass will create elevated fire danger conditions on Monday and Tuesday. Light freezes are forecast inland for Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, with widespread frost potential on Wednesday morning.

JFRD Operational Preparations:
In response to the approaching cold weather, JFRD has implemented measures to protect apparatus and equipment from these potential freezing temperatures, including:

Protecting all apparatus containing water to prevent freezing
Draining water tanks from spare apparatus stored outside
Moving tankers inside station bays whenever possible
Repositioning vehicles to prioritize indoor storage for water-containing apparatus

Our firefighters are taking the necessary steps to ensure our equipment remains operational throughout this cold snap,” said Fire Chief Percy Golden II. “We’re also asking the Jacksonville community to take this weather transition seriously. The combination of elevated fire danger and freezing temperatures requires residents to be extra vigilant about home heating safety.”

Safety Tips for Residents:

Use Caution with Space Heaters:

Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn
Plug heaters directly into outlets. Never use extension cords or power strips
Turn off heaters when leaving a room or going to sleep
Never leave space heaters unattended

Practice Fireplace Safety:

Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually
Don’t overload fireplaces with wood
Use screens or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping
Never leave fires unattended
Ensure fires are fully extinguished before going to bed

Critical Safety Reminders:

Never use ovens or appliances not designed as heating devices to warm your home
Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside each bedroom
Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home
Never use outdoor appliances like grills or generators indoors
Create and practice a fire escape plan with all household members

Warming Centers:
JFRD and the City are also closely monitoring the need for warming centers and will further update the public if the threshold to activate them is met. As a reminder, that is a temperature of 27 degrees or below. However, City Rescue Mission opens when the temperature hits 40 degrees or below.

For more information on cold weather safety, visit MyJFRD.com or follow JFRD on social media.