Oakland, MD – Fire danger is heightened across western Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and Highland County, Virginia, as gusty winds and dry conditions create an elevated risk of rapid fire spread through Friday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore and Washington, a combination of southeast winds ranging from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, and relative humidity dropping to 30-35% is increasing the fire hazard. Additionally, dry fine fuels in the region could contribute to fires spreading quickly.
Authorities advise residents to check with local burn permitting offices before conducting any outdoor burning. If burning is allowed, extreme caution is necessary to prevent accidental wildfires. Fire officials stress that even small outdoor flames can become uncontrollable under these conditions.
The affected areas include Garrett County in Maryland, Highland County in Virginia, and multiple counties in eastern West Virginia, including Grant, Mineral, and Pendleton.
Residents are urged to avoid activities that could spark fires, such as disposing of cigarettes improperly or using equipment that generates sparks. Fire crews remain on high alert as the dry and windy conditions persist. The elevated fire risk is expected to diminish later in the evening as humidity levels rise and winds decrease.
