Fire danger alert in Southeast Pennsylvania through Thursday evening

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. for fire danger until 7 p.m. for Western Chester, Eastern Chester, Western Montgomery and Eastern Montgomery as well as Carbon, Monroe, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Delaware, Philadelphia and Bucks counties.

"There is an elevated risk for fire spread today across portions of eastern Pennsylvania. Minimum relative humidity values will drop to around 25 to 35% this afternoon. This will be accompanied by temperatures rising generally rising into the 70s and northwest winds around 10 to 15 gusting 20 to 25 mph. These conditions could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control. Conditions improve during the evening as the wind diminishes and the relative humidity increases. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Use caution while using any machinery outdoors, such as lawn care equipment, that could cause sparks to come in contact with the dry ground. This forecast considers meteorological, fuel, and land conditions and has been developed in coordination with state fire officials," adds the weather service.