Dry air, dry fuels increase risk of wildfire spread in Western Pennsylvania on Saturday, NWS says

PITTSBURGH — Dry conditions in Western Pennsylvania continue to create an elevated fire risk in the region.

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh issued a Special Weather Statement for all the counties the agency covers, warning of an elevated risk of wildfire spread on Saturday.

NWS officials say this risk is due to a combination of “dry air and very dry fuels.”

Minimum relative humidity values will range between 20-30%, and wind gusts could reach 25 mph.

NWS urges people to use caution when handling ignition sources, like machinery or cigarettes. If a fire starts and dry grasses or tree litter starts to burn, the fire could spread rapidly.

Two counties in Western Pennsylvania have also already issued burn bans, Fayette County and Lawrence County. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has also temporarily banned campfires on state game lands.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group