The National Weather Service says that "the recent dry weather pattern has created unsafe burning conditions causing the primary fuels for wildland fires of dead grass."
Leaves and brush are dangerously dry. A "backdoor cold front" moving into our area this afternoon will cause an abrupt wind direction shift and gusts of 20 to 30 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, "the majority of wildland fires are a result of escaped fires from open burning by homeowners. All open burning must have a permit."
Our area, especially in the Bradford area, has been plagued with brush fires lately, some of them suspicious. Fire crews have been working hard to fight these fires, contain danger and protect lives.
In addition to obtaining a burn permit, people should:
- Clear the area around a pile of all flammable materials
- Never leave the fire unattended
- Have a hose and tools like shovel or rake on hand
- burn only natural vegetative materials
- Call 911 immediately if things get out of control.
