Brush Fire / File Photo
Montgomery County is under a Red Flag Warning for fire weather conditions until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the Red Flag Warning, stating, “The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong gusty winds may result in favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires.”
NWS earlier advised that gusty winds and low humidity will lead to elevated risk for wildfire spread through Wednesday evening in areas including Montgomery County. On Tuesday, there was a 1.5-acre brush fire in Montgomery Village and a barn fire and collapse in the Brookeville area.
The county’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security states conditions will be favorable for the spread of brush fires and outdoor burning is not recommended.
County Fire and Rescue Service Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer tells residents that if someone sees smoke or fire in a brush or wooded area, they should call 911.
The Red Flag Warning has been expanded to include the Washington Metropolitan area and a High Wind Warning is in effect for portions of the Shenandoah Valley. pic.twitter.com/V0lC5tX87H
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 20, 2024
Red Flag WARNING Alerts area FDs & FFs of potentially dangerous fire weather conditions within next 12 to 24 hours. Please remain vigilant, Be extremely careful w/ open flames (fire pits, grills, etc) & mechanical equip that create sparks See https://t.co/RtsAY3w0Em for more info https://t.co/FdS3xo2rzV pic.twitter.com/81ObsaoRbx
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) March 20, 2024
