Elevated Fire Risk (10/26/24)

 
An Elevated Fire Risk remains in effect Saturday, October 26, 2024 including the following Washington, DC region jurisdictions.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
MARYLAND: Garrett, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Cecil, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert, Allegany, Montgomery, Howard, Harford.
VIRGINIA: Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Page, Warren, Clarke, Nelson, Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Orange, Culpeper, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Fauquier, Highland, Loudoun, Blue Ridge, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park.
WEST VIRGINIA: Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson, Hardy, Grant, Mineral, Pendleton.

Excerpted from the National Weather Service:

…ELEVATED FIRE DANGER TODAY…

Elevated fire conditions are expected today due to the combination of dry conditions and gusty winds, particularly in the 9 AM until 5 PM timeframe. Daytime relative humidity values around 30 to 40 percent are expected, along with sustained northwesterly of 15 to 20 mph and gusts of 25 to 30 mph. This will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels like grass, leaves, and small shrubs.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that create sparks. Also, dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread a fire quickly.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state`s forestry or environmental protection website.
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An Elevated Fire Risk remains in effect Saturday, October 26, 2024 including the following Washington, DC region jurisdictions.

MARYLAND: Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline.

Excerpted from the National Weather Service:

…Increased Risk of Fire Spread Today…

There continues to be an increased risk of fire spread today. Relative humidity values this afternoon will drop to 25 to 35 percent across much of the area. These low relative humidity values will combine with northwest winds around 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, and even occasionally as high as 30 mph, temperatures in the mid to upper 60s, and abundant sunshine. These conditions will support the spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Refer to your state`s forest fire management agency for more information on burn restrictions in your local area.

Relative humidity values will be lower on Sunday, generally ranging from 20 to 30 percent, but winds will be much lighter. Burn restrictions may still be in place given the very dry conditions and lack of any recent rainfall.