High Winds Increase Risk for Wildfires at the Shore

Phil Stilton

High winds and dry conditions have elevated the risk of forest fires today. Residents are warned against discarding smoking materials from their vehicles or in areas where conditions favor easily combustible material. A fire spread rapidly this afternoon on Cedarbridge Avenue in Lakewood. The high winds today can accelerate the spread of fire.

The National Weather Service issued the following statement today:

There is an elevated threat for the spread of wildfires today across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and eastern Maryland. The fire weather threat is due to a combination of gusty winds and dry conditions.

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Westerly winds between 15 to 20 MPH today will gust frequently between 25 to 30 mph today. Relative humidity values are already at or below 30 percent early this morning. The relative humidity may fall into the lower 20s or even teens later this morning and afternoon. These conditions combined with dry fine fuels, such as dead leaves and grasses, will increase the risk for rapid fire spread. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged today.


For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state forestry or environmental protection website.


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