Roanoke, VA – A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for parts of southwest Virginia, including the Roanoke and Lynchburg areas, due to a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry ground fuels increasing wildfire risks.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the warning covers 14 counties and will remain active until 8 p.m. Wednesday. Areas impacted include Roanoke, Botetourt, Rockbridge, Patrick, Franklin, Bedford, Amherst, Henry, Pittsylvania, Campbell, Appomattox, Buckingham, Halifax, and Charlotte counties.
Winds from the northwest are expected to blow at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph. Relative humidity could drop as low as 17 percent, significantly drying out vegetation and increasing the potential for rapid fire spread.
Officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could spark a fire, such as discarding cigarettes or using open flames. Any fires that start are likely to grow quickly and be difficult to control.
Emergency agencies across southwest Virginia are on alert, and residents are advised to stay updated through local alerts and the National Weather Service at weather.gov/rnk/fire.
