The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 7 pm this evening, according to the weather service.
AFFECTED AREA...Carbon, Monroe, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Delaware, Philadelphia, Western Chester, Eastern Chester, Western Montgomery, Eastern Montgomery, Upper Bucks and Lower Bucks.
TIMING...Until 7 PM EDT this evening.
WINDS...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 27 percent.
TEMPERATURES...Up to 78.
IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Outdoor fires have been reported at various places in the Lehigh Valley. A fire was reported in Whitehall near the Autozone. Another brush fire was recently reported in Bethlehem near the D&L trail. Multiple fire trucks and police are on the scene.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels.
Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain.
For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state forestry or environmental protection website.
The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.