An Elevated Fire Danger is in effect to 8 pm Thursday, April 16, 2026 including the following jurisdictions.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
MARYLAND: Washington, southern Baltimore, Baltimore City, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert, central/eastern Allegany, Montgomery, Howard.
VIRGINIA: Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Page, Warren, Clarke, Nelson, Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Orange, Culpeper, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Fauquier, eastern Highland, Loudoun, northern/central Blue Ridge, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park.
WEST VIRGINIA: Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson, Hardy, eastern Grant, eastern Mineral, eastern Pendleton.
Excerpted from the National Weather Service:
…NEAR CRITICAL TO CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR CENTRAL…SOUTHERN AND WESTERN MARYLAND…EASTERN VIRGINIA…NORTHERN AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING…
The combination of 10 hour fuel moistures around 9 percent, relative humidities around 25 percent, and wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph will lead to an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires this afternoon.
Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Additionally, exercise caution if operating any equipment that could create sparks and keep vehicles off of dry grass. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.
Lastly, remember to obey local burn bans. For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state forestry or environmental protection website.
For West Virginia, visit www.wvforestry.com
For Maryland, visit dnr.maryland.gov
For Virginia, visit dof.virginia.gov