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Elevated fire risk through Thursday morning due to dry conditions, gusty winds

Crystal Graham
Millers Head Fire
Millers Head Fire/file photo/submitted

The U.S. National Weather Service is warning Virginians of an elevated fire risk due to gusty winds today and Thursday.

The elevated fire danger risk expires on Thursday at 4 a.m.

Elevated fire conditions are expected due to dry conditions and gusty winds, according to the NWS.

Relative humidity values around 20 to 30 percent are expected along with sustained westerly winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 20 or 25 mph.

This will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels.

Most dry grasses, dead leaves and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

Recommendations

  • Exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that may create sparks
  • Dispose of cigarette butts, matches or other flammable items in appropriate containers
  • Keep vehicles off of dry grass
  • Obey local burn bans

Search “wildfire” on Augusta Free Press.

Virginia reports 608 wildfires, 45K acres burned in fall, spring seasons
Published date:  October 21, 2024 | 7:28 pm

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.