Maryland

Brush Fires Popping Up in the DMV: Here's Why

Brush fires are popping up left and right in Maryland and Virginia, driven by windy, dry conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “red flag” fire weather warning throughout the DMV in effect until 8 p.m. on Thursday.  

Strong gusts of wind, dry vegetation, low humidity and elevated temperatures are the culprits of this fire-related advisory. These conditions can cause small fires to disperse and spread rapidly.

To warrant a red-alert warning, the climate must meet the following criteria: relative humidity less than 25 percent, 10-hour fuels (one-fourth to one inch branches) that are made up of less than eight-percent water and continuous winds exceeding 20 mph.

So far, the dry conditions have diffused multiple fires, including ones in Prince William and Montgomery counties. Wildfires also wreaked havoc on town homes in Prince George’s Country on Thursday afternoon.

Some counties, like Loudoun, have banned opening burning as a preventative measure.

For more information on the affected countries, visit the National Weather Service.

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