HAGERSTOWN – Washington County officials are warning against outdoor burning due to an elevated fire risk after two recent wildland fires.
The Washington County’s Office of Emergency Management said 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.
Relative humidity values were expected to drop between 20 and 30 percent across the area on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 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.
County officials cautioned residents to:
- Avoid all outdoor burning
- And to safely dispose of 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.
