The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning across much of Virginia today until 7p.m. Winds may blow in from the northwest with speeds between 20 and 25 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 miles per hour.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly,” reads the alert. “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”
In response, Albemarle County Fire Rescue put out an information release stating that career and volunteer units are standing by should any brush fires start.
“At this time, there are no significant wildfires impacting our area,” reads that statement.
A ban on outdoor fires is in place after 4 p.m. but Albemarle is encouraging people to wait on fires until the forecast winds have blown through. The release continues with a series of bullets:
- It’s never ok to burn trash
- Don’t add gasoline, lighter fluid, diesel, or the like to a fire
- Don’t leave a fire burning unattended
- Do not leave children or pets alone with open flames
- Always have at least a hose, bucket of water, or shovel with dirt or sand to extinguish flames.
Above photo credit: National Weather Service
Before you go: This story was posted first to Information Charlottesville and will soon be part of the next installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement. Both are services of Town Crier Productions, a one-person media outlet funded by subscribers and sponsors and fueled by a stubborn devotion to local journalism.
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