RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST
THIS EVENING FOR CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA...THE EXTREME
EASTERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA...SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL MARYLAND
AND WASHINGTON DC...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
RED FLAG WARNING FOR THE POTENTIAL OF RAPID WILDFIRE GROWTH...
WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THIS
EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
* HUMIDITY...25 TO 30 PERCENT.
* WINDS...NORTHWEST 20 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.
* FUEL MOISTURE...LESS THAN 8 PERCENT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO EXTREME
FIRE BEHAVIOR.
Prevention Tips From PGFD
* Dispose of smoking materials in an appropriate container and ensure they are completely extinguished. Do not discard these items into any open area as they may start a fire that will spread rapidly. Do not dispose of smoking materials out of your vehicle when traveling.
* Use caution when using power tools outdoors, especially those that will generate a spark. Have a extinguishing agent; water hose, bucket of sand, portable extinguisher, etc. nearby while working outdoors.
* Business owners and property managers should have appropriate disposable containers in areas where smoking occurs outside.
* Burning brush or trash is illegal within Prince George's County without appropriate approval and permits. If the Fire Weather Watch is upgraded to a Red Flag Warning then any permitted burns may be cancelled.
* We request that you limit the use outside grills or cooking equipment during these times. If you must, ensure you have some type of extinguishing agent nearby (water hose, bucket of sand, fire extinguisher, etc.) Stand by for Red Flag Warning when we recommend all outdoor cooking be terminated.
* If you have fireplace ashes; you must put them into a sealed metal container placed on a concrete surface away from any structures. If possible – wait to clean your fireplace until this weather event is over.
* Never park your vehicle on top of a pile a leaves.
* Use common sense and practice sound fire safety habits.
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