NWS Issues Red Flag Warning
ANNAPOLIS (February 18, 2011) – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for all of Maryland except far western Allegany and Garrett Counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging Marylanders to check the
DNR website regularly for forecast updates.
“We’re asking all Marylanders in these parts of the State to be cautious,” said Monte Mitchell, State Fire Service Supervisor. “During critical fire weather conditions such as this, people should not do any type of outdoor burning as it could quickly spread into a wildfire.”
Red Flag Warnings are issued for a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuel conditions that will create the potential for explosive fire growth.
Critical fire weather conditions have spawned 21 wildfires in the past week that have burned 5,687 acres. It is critical that citizens take precautions to prevent any wildfire starts during these types of conditions stated Monte Mitchell, State Fire Supervisor. Debris or outdoor burning is the leading cause of wildfires in the state.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources