Charleston, WV – The National Weather Service has issued an elevated fire danger warning across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio for Friday, April 18, 2025, due to gusty winds and low humidity.
According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts up to 26 mph combined with temperatures in the 70s will cause relative humidity levels to drop into the mid-20s, raising fire risk. This condition is expected to persist throughout the afternoon and evening hours.
In West Virginia, the spring fire season runs from March 1st through May 31st, and outdoor burning is prohibited between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Kentucky’s fire season is shorter, ending on April 30th, and burning is restricted within 150 feet of woodlands and brushlands from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ohio’s spring fire season is also active, prohibiting outdoor burning from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Residents in all three states are advised to take precautions to prevent fires, including avoiding outdoor smoking, using machinery carefully to prevent sparks, and keeping children educated about fire safety.
