Blacksburg, VA – Residents of West Virginia and North Carolina are being urged to exercise caution as increased fire danger conditions persist from late Wednesday morning through early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, VA, the combination of gusty southwest winds, low humidity, and dry fuels is creating a heightened risk for rapid fire spread. Affected areas in West Virginia include Mercer, Summers, Monroe, and Greenbrier counties, while North Carolina counties under the advisory include Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin.
Forecasters warn that southwest winds could gust between 15 to 20 mph in West Virginia and up to 15 mph in North Carolina. Additionally, relative humidity levels are expected to drop into the 15 to 20 percent range, further contributing to the increased fire risk.
Officials are advising residents to check with local burn permitting authorities before conducting any outdoor burning. If burning is permitted, extreme caution should be exercised to prevent unintentional wildfires.
The elevated fire danger is expected to last until early Wednesday evening. Residents are encouraged to secure flammable materials, avoid unnecessary open flames, and report any signs of wildfire activity to local emergency services immediately.
