High Fire Risk In NoVa, DC Prompted By Winds, Dry Weather

WASHINGTON, DC — Outdoor burning is a danger Friday in DC and northern Virginia with dry conditions and strong winds creating an enhanced threat for the spread of wildfires, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency issued a special weather statement Friday urging residents in the District of Columbia, and parts of Virginia and Maryland to be careful with any source that could start a fire and to dispose of smoking materials properly.

Northwest winds will be around 10 to 13 mph with frequent gusts around 22 mph on Friday, forecasters say.

"Gusty winds are expected this afternoon across much of the area," the National Weather Service said. "Low relative humidities are forecast during this time as well, with values nearing 30 percent. Additionally, dry ... conditions over the past several days have dried out fuels across the area. All of these factors combined could result in an elevated risk for the spread of fires this afternoon."

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, the NWS said.

A cold front will reach the DC region Saturday night, bringing a chance of snow that evening and on Sunday.

Officials said the special weather statement about the enhanced fire threat applies to these areas in Virginia and the District of Columbia: Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier, Loudoun, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Fredericksburg, Warrenton, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn and Sterling.

"Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches," the National Weather Service said. "Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly."

Temperatures will reach the low 60s on Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service forecast for the Baltimore-Washington area. They will drop to the 40s overnight Friday, then cold and snow move in for Saturday.

Here are some tips for safe ash disposal:

• Take ashes outside, away from the house and combustible material.
• Put ashes in a metal bucket/container.
• Always use a metal container; never use a plastic or paper bag.
• Completely immerse the materials in water.
• Clear an area for the container — possibly down to dirt, ruling out the possibility that grass could catch fire if it were knocked over.
• Allow the contents to soak for at least a week.

Here's the weekend forecast:

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 64. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: A chance of rain before 1am, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible..

Sunday: A chance of rain and snow before 7am, then a chance of snow between 7am.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.