Special Weather Statement: increased fire danger Wednesday afternoon and evening

The National Weather Service in Wakefield is warning of increased fire danger continuing into Wednesday afternoon and evening.

The continued combination of low relative humidity values between 30 and 35 percent, west to southwest winds gusting to 25 to 30 mph, and dry fuels will once again result in increased fire danger for the lower Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

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

Virginia residents are reminded that open-air burning is prohibited before 4 pm each day through April 30th.