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HAGERSTOWN, MD (October 28, 2024) – Following two recent wildland fires in the mountains of Washington County, MD, Washington County’s Office of Emergency Management announces a strong advisory against outdoor burning due to elevated fire risk conditions. Today, the combination of low relative humidity and dry vegetation increases the potential for rapid fire spread, which could lead to challenging and hazardous conditions for containment.
This afternoon, relative humidity values are expected to drop between 20 and 30 percent across the area, coupled with light winds from the east to northeast at 5 to 10 mph, shifting to southeast later in the day. With temperatures in the low to mid-60s and clear skies, vegetation is exceptionally dry and could easily fuel fires.
Key Precautions:
- Avoid Outdoor Burning: Residents are advised to avoid all forms of outdoor burning during these conditions.
- Safely Dispose of Ignition Sources: Properly extinguish any potential ignition sources, including cigarette butts and hot equipment parts, to prevent accidental fires.
For information on local burn restrictions, please refer to Maryland’s forest fire management agency. The county will continue to monitor conditions closely.
Washington County residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety by avoiding activities that could inadvertently spark a fire. Thank you for your cooperation in protecting our community.
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