What does a Red Flag Warning mean for West Virginia?
The warning issued by the National Weather Service said that between 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, much of West Virginia will see 'an enhanced risk for wildfire ignition and spread.'
The warning added that winds will tend to blow between 10-20 miles per hour with gusts up to 35 miles per hour. Humidity will also reach levels as low as 10 percent, creating especially dry conditions throughout the state. On top of that, temperatures are expected to climb up to 85 degrees Wednesday.
Statewide burning restrictions to begin March 1 in West Virginia
So what should West Virginians do?
Unlike typical weather alerts that typically advise people to shelter in place, Red Flag Warnings put more emphasis on being vigilant. The International Association of Fire Chiefs asks people to follow the instructions provided by their local fire department and to be aware of anything that can spark a fire. The organization also recommends that people have a plan to get out quickly should a fire spark in or near their home.
Wednesday's Red Flag Warning falls just a few weeks into West Virginia's forest fire season, which prohibits people from burning most fires between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. These restrictions are set to remain in effect until May 31.
The West Virginia Division of Forestry releases a daily map of places around the state that are forecast to have elevated fire danger. You can see Wednesday's map below:
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