Charleston, WV — Elevated fire danger is expected across parts of West Virginia and northeastern Kentucky today due to a combination of low humidity and gusty winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, WV, relative humidity levels may drop as low as 20 to 30 percent this afternoon, accompanied by southeasterly winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph. These conditions will create a heightened risk for fires to start and spread rapidly, particularly along ridge lines where wind speeds may be higher.
In West Virginia, outdoor burning is prohibited from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during spring fire season, which runs from March 1 through May 31. Residents in areas including Huntington, Parkersburg, Beckley, and Elkins are urged to delay any outdoor burning until after 5 p.m. and confirm with local authorities.
In Kentucky, state law bans burning within 150 feet of woodland or brushland between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. from February 15 to April 30. This includes counties such as Greenup, Carter, Boyd, and Lawrence.
Authorities strongly recommend avoiding all outdoor fires today. Even small ignition sources can spark fast-moving wildfires under these conditions.
