Philadelphia, PA – An elevated risk for fire spread is in effect through Saturday afternoon across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and northeastern Maryland, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ.
The warning comes as minimum relative humidity levels are expected to drop between 20 and 30 percent, combined with strong northwesterly winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts reaching up to 35 mph. These conditions, along with continued drying of fine fuels such as grass and brush, create an environment conducive to rapid fire spread, making any new ignitions potentially difficult to control.
Residents are strongly urged to avoid outdoor burning during this period. Officials emphasize the importance of properly extinguishing or disposing of any potential ignition sources, including cigarette butts, to prevent accidental fires.
Fire management agencies in affected states recommend checking local burn restrictions before engaging in any outdoor fire-related activities. The combination of dry air, high winds, and fuel availability significantly increases fire hazards.
Communities throughout the region should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to minimize fire risks. For more information, residents are encouraged to follow updates from their state’s forest fire management agencies and the National Weather Service.
