The National Weather Service says it’s due to low relative humidity and high winds.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather StatementNational Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC1257 PM EDT Wed Mar 20 2024ANZ535-DCZ001-MDZ003-004-013-016-501>504-VAZ053-054-503-505-506-WVZ051>053-501-503-505-210000-Tidal Potomac from Key Bridge to Indian Head MD-District of Columbia-Washington-Frederick MD-Prince Georges-Charles-Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-Northwest Montgomery-Central and Southeast Montgomery-Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Western Highland-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Western Grant-Western Mineral-Western Pendleton-Including the cities of Washington, Hagerstown, Frederick,Ballenger Creek, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton,College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, St. Charles,Waldorf, Frostburg, Cumberland, Germantown, Damascus, Bethesda,Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Reston, Herndon,Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington,Alexandria, Falls Church, Hightown, Purcellville, Leesburg,Ashburn, Sterling, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town,Shepherdstown, Bayard, Mount Storm, Elk Garden, and Riverton1257 PM EDT Wed Mar 20 2024...ELEVATED FIRE DANGER IN EFFECT THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING FORPORTIONS OF NORTHERN VA, MARYLAND, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA...Elevated fire weather conditions are expected through this eveningacross most of Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and Virginia.Relative humidity values are expected to drop back to around 25to 30 percent this afternoon, with some areas possibly seeingrelative humidity values below 25 percent for a couple of hours.West wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph are expected in the valleys, with40 to 55 mph on the eastern slopes of the mountains. This willresult in the continued drying of fine fuels.Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handlingopen flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose ofcigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriatecontainers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans.Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easilyignite and spread fire quickly.For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions,and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state`sforestry or environmental protection website.By The National Weather Service, Sterling, Va.
