Richmond, Va. – Dry air and gusty winds could turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire across central Virginia within hours Sunday, prompting heightened concern through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts reaching 25 mph will combine with relative humidity dropping as low as 25 percent. Temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 80s are accelerating drying across grasses and leaf litter, especially along the I-95 corridor from Richmond to Petersburg and into surrounding counties.
Communities including Henrico, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, Ashland, and Hopewell face the greatest risk during peak heating hours through 7 p.m. Rural areas in Louisa, Goochland, and Amelia counties may see fires spread quickly if ignition occurs, particularly near wooded zones and open fields.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and properly discard cigarettes. Virginia law already bans open burning before 4 p.m. through April, and violations could quickly escalate into dangerous situations under these conditions.
Fire crews remain on alert through Sunday evening, and additional advisories may be issued if winds increase or humidity drops further.
