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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a special weather statement for several states as weather conditions are critical for a heightened wildfire risk.
Wildfires are burning across northern and central Virginia, mostly near the Shenandoah National Forest. Residents in eight states are urged to exercise caution as a dry air mass, low relative humidity and gusty winds created an enhanced wildfire risk on Thursday.
The eight states with the increased risk are Ohio, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Maryland and Minnesota. A special weather statement for increased wildfire risk was also issued for Washington, D.C.
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"The combination of an anomalously dry airmass and gusty northwest winds around 25 mph will result in an enhanced risk of wildfire spread through early this evening," the NWS office in New York City said in its warning. "Minimum relative humidity values will drop to 25 to 30 percent during this time frame."
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NWS meteorologist Bill Goodman told Newsweek that dry air mass and windy conditions can contribute to the spread of wildfires, especially in early spring.
"Every early spring before things green up, when it doesn't rain for a period of time, some of that dries out very quickly," Goodman said. "You add gusty winds and low relative humidity on top of that [and] if anything gets ignited it can spread more easily."
Rain is forecast for the New York region on Friday.
In Holly, New Jersey, residents are urged to avoid burning and to exercise caution with any ignition source, such as machinery, cigarettes and matches.
"The combination of low relative humidity values between 20 and 35 percent, northwest winds 10 to 20 mph gusting up to 30 mph, and dry fuels will increase the potential for the spread of wildfires today," the NWS office in Holly said in the warning. "Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly."
The wildfires in Virginia encompass several hundred acres. Videos and photos of the flames spread across social media on Thursday.
"Wildfire in Albemarle County, Virginia Wednesday afternoon. Winds in excess of 40 mph, very dry air and ground caused fires to spread rapidly," WVIR meteorologist Josh Fitzpatrick in Charlottesville posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday morning. "Light wind today and cooler temperatures. Soaking rain Saturday."
"WILDFIRE SUNSET tonight for Virginia, the southern Delmarva and D.C. It will look extra orange — blame scattering of all but the longest wavelengths, which include red and orange," meteorologist Matthew Cappucci posted on X with a video. "Vibrant, but eerie. Numerous brushfires, and a few larger fires, burning in Virginia."
"#Breaking Large brush fire just outside of Luray, VA near Shenandoah National Park," WTTG senior assignment editor Allison Papson in Washington, D.C., posted on X with a video.
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