The region is currently facing a critical fire danger due to a combination of dry conditions, strong gusty winds of 10 to 20mph, increasing to 20-30 mph, and low humidity. Several brush fires have already been reported across Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Authorities have issued a statewide burn ban effective each day until 4 p.m. through the end of April to mitigate the risk. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag warning for dangerous fire weather conditions. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Wednesday, with conditions expected to worsen due to stronger wind gusts. Residents are strongly advised against any outdoor burning, as fires can spread rapidly under these conditions. Some relief may be on the horizon, as rain is forecasted for later Friday into Saturday.
Look at all the wildfires breaking out in parts of Virginia and West Virginia this evening. All showing up as hot spots on the IR satellite loop. #vawx #wvwx #wildfire https://t.co/wNQhu1zDLQ
Multiple fires have erupted in western Virginia, fanned by high winds. You can smell the smoke in the air in the DC area. See the hot spots in this satellite image. Read more in our pm update ⬇️ https://t.co/bJe1L1Sh2F https://t.co/HrMkkdPUrp
A view of one of the new starts on Massanutten Mountain in Virginia. Reports of fires across the state this afternoon. #wildfire #vafire https://t.co/YPTDVhG4qy
HEADS UP: RED FLAG WARNING: NWS has issued a red flag warning for dangerous fire weather conditions for the area. The area has already seen some brush fires due to this event. https://t.co/8wixZw8rQy
Today’s Red flags: Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. #wildfire #weather #ncfire #vafire #wvfire https://t.co/mf9dxJohkJ
We've issued a First Alert Weather Day because of our critical fire danger today. We have very low humidity levels, dry conditions and a strong gusty wind. If a fire should start it will spread rapidly so use extreme caution outdoors. https://t.co/L3T0w0GeJy
Strong wind gusts, combined with dry air, will lead to a high threat of brush fires today. DON'T BURN. https://t.co/IfI456BWJq
We're issuing a Weather Authority Alert Day Wednesday because of the increased threat for brush fires. Stronger wind gusts + low humidity. https://t.co/a6pNuXJDYx
A gusty wind continues today. This will add to the threat for brush fires, especially Wednesday. https://t.co/5wjGRryyNj
We're giving you the First alert about our critical fire danger today and tomorrow. Dry conditions and strong gusty winds will lead to a Fire Weather Watch Wednesday. We follow that up with some much needed rain later Friday into Saturday. https://t.co/oj0OWWwhF6
A critical fire danger continues because of our dry conditions and a strong gusty wind. Please, don't do any outdoor burning if anything gets out of hand it will spread rapidly. A fire Weather Watch is in effect for Wednesday with stronger gusty winds. https://t.co/9imJydcGlN
Gusty afternoon winds ranging from 20-30 mph will coincide with low humidity and dry fuels. Fire will have an easier time starting and spreading. Refer to your local burn-permitting authority on whether you may burn today. If you do burn, use extreme caution. #scwx #ncwx #gawx https://t.co/DN9pMSLRKQ
The threat for brush fires will be higher than usual today through Wednesday, thanks to gusty wind and dropping humidity levels. There is a statewide burn ban each day until 4 p.m. through the end of April. https://t.co/GevQ67Z290
The threat for brush fires is higher than usual today. Strong wind gusts and low relative humidity could add fuel to any small fire that pops up. https://t.co/lEx9UJdys6
It will be a bit windy today with winds 10 to 20mph. That wind will stir the pollen and make it tough for many. Also, that wind with very low humidity will increase the fire risk today. https://t.co/8rHnw3osju #8News #RVA #RVAWX #VAWX https://t.co/s3q5s5F92t
Several brush fires continue across the region with a high fire danger. We continue with the Spring fire season with no burning before 4 p.m. We recommend you don't do any burning outside because of strong gusty winds and dry conditions. https://t.co/t2ehfibVU2