Elevated Fire Risk In Effect Around NoVA, DC Amid Dry, Gusty Conditions

VIRGINIA — Northern Virginia and the D.C. region are facing an increased risk of fires Thursday due to dry and gusty conditions.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement about the elevated fire conditions Thursday. Low humidity values around 30 percent combined with 15 to 20 mph winds and gusts of 25 to 30 mph can cause "rapid drying of fine fuels." The conditions make it possible for dry grasses, dead leaves and other tree litter to easily catch fire and spread quickly.

Due to the enhanced fire risk, forecasters urge caution when handling open flames or equipment that emits sparks and avoiding parking vehicles on dry grass. Cigarette butts, matches and other flammable options should be disposed of in appropriate containers.

While Virginia's open air burning restrictions after 4 p.m. are only in effect from Feb. 15 through April, some localities may have restrictions on burning.

Check with your local fire marshal's office on open burning restrictions:

• Arlington County
• City of Alexandria
• City of Falls Church
• City of Fairfax
• Fairfax County
• Loudoun County
• Prince William County
• City of Manassas
• Stafford County
• City of Fredericksburg
• Spotsylvania County

Hazardous weather is not expected for the rest of the week.

Here is the forecast for the days ahead at Dulles International Airport:

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. At night, clear, with a low around 39.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 60. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 36.