Burlington, VT – Fire danger is elevated today across the Champlain Valley as dry conditions, gusty winds, and leaf litter increase the risk of fast-spreading wildfires, according to the National Weather Service in Burlington.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, relative humidity is expected to drop below 30% today. Combined with northerly wind gusts up to 25 mph, these weather factors could cause any fires that start to spread quickly and become difficult to contain.
Officials warned that fine fuels, such as dry grasses and leaves, remain extremely dry, and additional leaf litter is accumulating across the region. “If any fires were to start today, the weather and field conditions could cause fires to quickly spread and be difficult to contain,” the alert stated.
Residents are urged to follow local restrictions, including Vermont’s statewide debris burning ban currently in effect. Authorities recommend checking state forestry and environmental protection websites for the latest updates on restrictions and fire safety guidance.
The Champlain Valley includes communities on both sides of Lake Champlain in Vermont and northern New York, where officials emphasized that conditions remain ripe for accidental ignitions.
Community members are asked to remain cautious and report any signs of wildfire immediately.
