Pittsburgh, Pa. – Dry air, warm temperatures, and dead vegetation are creating ideal conditions for wildfire spread Thursday across Western Pennsylvania, especially in areas south of Interstate 80.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Special Weather Statement remains in effect until 7 p.m. due to an elevated risk of wildfires. The greatest threat will occur between 11 a.m. and early evening when relative humidity drops into the 20% range and winds remain light but steady.
Counties under the advisory include Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, and surrounding areas. Dry leaf litter and fine fuels can ignite easily, and with no rain in the immediate forecast, even small flames could quickly spread.
Residents are urged to avoid burning brush, discard smoking materials responsibly, and postpone outdoor grilling unless on gravel or paved surfaces. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources emphasized the need to keep water near fire pits and ensure campfires are fully extinguished.
This is the second such warning in April and comes as seasonal vegetation dries out across the region. More advisories are possible if dry weather persists.
The Special Weather Statement remains in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday. Updates are available at http://dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire.
