Red Flag Warning Issued For Parts Of NoVA, DC

WASHINGTON, DC—The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for DC and parts of Northern Virginia on Wednesday, April 3.

A red flag warning means low humidity combined with gusty winds makes it more likely for wildfires to spread. Forecasters expect 15 to 25 mph winds with gusts up to 35 mph.

NWS cautions residents not to burn anything outdoors while the warning is in effect. One local fire department warned residents not to dispose of cigarettes in mulch or other brush. On March 31 alone, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to 13 fires in mulch beds that were likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

The warning is in effect noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Impacted areas include the District of Columbia, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County and Frederick County.

Other areas are under a special weather statement due to an enhanced fire threat. These include the counties of Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Page, Warren, Nelson, Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Orange, Culpeper, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Fauquier and Eastern Highland, and cities of Manassas, Manassas Park and Fredericksburg.