Elevated fire danger in central Pa. through Thursday evening
National Weather Service alert in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday for five central Pennsylvania counties due to dry, windy conditions.
A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 8:34 a.m. for elevated fire danger until 7 p.m. for Sullivan, Columbia, Schuylkill, Lebanon and Lancaster counties.
"A combination of dry and windy conditions this afternoon will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across eastern Pennsylvania, especially east of US-15. Minimum relative humidity values will range from 25 to 35% accompanied by wind gusts between 15 and 20 mph. Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have the potential to spread rapidly," says the weather service.