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National Weather Service extends elevated fire danger alert in Virginia through 8 p.m.

Crystal Graham
fire danger alert
Millers Head fire/Shenandoah National Park/File Photo

The National Weather Service has extended the elevated fire danger alert until 8 p.m. tonight. The original alert was issued Wednesday afternoon and was set to expire today at 4 a.m. It was later extended to 11 a.m. before the latest alert was issued.

There is an elevated fire danger risk due to gusty winds and dry conditions, according to the NWS.

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

This will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels.

Dry grass, 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 spark
  • 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.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for 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, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]