CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Heading into what are expected to be record-high temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Weather Service has placed the Albemarle County and Charlottesville area under an elevated fire danger Monday. The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and dry and breezy conditions prompted the warning.
An NWS Special Weather Statement said, “10-hour fuel moistures around 8 to 10 percent, relative humidities around 35 percent, and wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph will lead to an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires this afternoon”.
Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers.
Additionally, exercise caution if operating any equipment that could create sparks, and keep vehicles off of dry grass.
Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.
Residents and visitors are also advised to observe local burn ordinance.
Those for any locality can be found at the Virginia Department of Forestry website.
Shenandoah National Park has issued a parkwide fire ban until further notice.
The ban prohibits all open-air fires in the park.
