4.5.12 High Fire Threat Continues - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

4.5.12 High Fire Threat Continues

We've talked a lot about the heightened fire threat a lot recently with the lack of much rainfall. In fact, our region has been so dry since the start of the year, we are considered to be in a minor drought. Read my last blog by clicking here to read more on the drought and lack of rainfall around our region.

Once again on Friday, the conditions will be right to create a high fire weather threat. As of Thursday night, a fire weather watch was issued by the National Weather Service to give a "heads up" of the heightened fire conditions expected for Friday. This will likely become a red flag warning by Friday. You can watch the video post above from my 11pm newscast on ABC22 News. The 3 main conditions that lead to rapid spread of wildfires or brush fires are...

1) Low relative humidity (aka dry air, click here to read more about relative humidity)

2) Dry grass/brush/fuel on the ground

3) Breezy winds (which can easily fan a fire causing it to get out of control)

All 3 conditions will exist for Friday and perhaps in to Saturday as well. This means you should avoid any open burning (perhaps you were thinking about burning all the dead branches and brush around your house to clean up for Spring? Hold off! It's too dry and the winds could spread that fire to places you don't want it!)

You should also be very considerate if you are a smoker! Be mindful of where you throw that cigarette butt.

There are several other ways that may cause an unintentional fire such as barbeques, woodstove ashes, etc... Click here to read meteorologist Steve Glazier's blog on more ways wildfires can begin and to become more aware of this "fire season".

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