Countywide

Elevated fire danger alert issued, as D.C. area dry spell continues

By Angela Woolsey
The sun shines through trees along a street in McLean (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The D.C. area is facing an increased risk of fires tonight into tomorrow (Thursday) morning, the National Weather Service says.

The NWS has issued a reminder that there’s an “elevated fire danger” until 4 a.m. for Northern and Central Virginia, eastern West Virginia, D.C. and Maryland due to “persistent dry conditions” and “increasing winds,” followed by a cold front tomorrow.

“Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks,” Fairfax County said on its emergency information blog. “Also, dispose of cigarette butts, matches and other flammable items in appropriate containers.”

The county government also urged residents against parking vehicles on dry grass, dead leaves and other tree debris, which “could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.”

After starting October in the midst of an 11-day rain streak, D.C. is now on its 21st straight day without rain and could enter the top 10 for dry spells on Sunday (Oct. 27), according to the Capital Weather Gang. The District’s longest dry streak on record is 34 days.

As of Oct. 15, most of Fairfax County was classified as “abnormally dry” by the U.S. Drought Monitor, and a drought watch advisory has been in effect for Northern Virginia since Sept. 24. An unusually hot and dry summer led Fairfax County to revise its guidance for new tree plantings for the first time in at least three decades.

About the Author

  • Angela Woolsey is the site editor for FFXnow. A graduate of George Mason University, she worked as a general assignment reporter for the Fairfax County Times before joining Local News Now as the Tysons Reporter editor in 2020.