Fire Danger Calculations based on the daily
Fire
Weather
forecast from the National Weather Service,
The
National Wildland Fire Assessment System
and local observations.
| Maximum Temperature (Deg. F) | 44 |
| Relative Humidity | 43% |
| Wind Direction and Speed | NE / 5 |
| Prev. 24 Hr. Precip. | 0 In. |
| Vegetation Stage | Cured |
| Keech - Byram Drought Index | 19 |
| Haines Index* | 3 |
| Build-up Index | 31 |
| Spread Index | 18 |
| Fuel Moisture | 13% |
| Fire Danger | MODERATE |
Fire Weather Synopsis
|
The high winds and lower humidity have dried things out very severely over the past several days. Dryness, low humidity, and high winds are expected to continue today. This is causing the forest to become dryer and dryer. The isolated flurries we have been experiencing have done little or nothing to help the situation. The very real potential exists for major wildfires. Some short term relief is in sight however, with snow and rain showers forecast for this weekend. However, Sunday night through the foreseeable future looks dry and although there is no forecast wind data to look at, this is Spring and high winds are common here. As for today, burning yard debris remains ill-advised. Think fire safe. Remember, if YOU cause a wildfire by any means, even if it is an accident, YOU will be responsible for the full cost of extinguishing the fire. These cost routinely exceed $10,000 and often reach $100,000 or more. Additional costs, criminal charges, fines and even imprisonment could also apply. NEVER burn on dry windy days; you can't afford it. The sun is becoming very intense now and is the same as mid September. Even on cold days, the sun feels warm because of radiant energy warming the ground and objects near the ground. The sun will be making its way further north over the next several weeks. As this happens our weather will tend to warm up and dry out even more. COMING SOON: EXPLANATIONS OF ALL FIRE WEATHER MEASUREMENTS AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO THE WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER AND YOU!!! |
IT'S BACK -- We are in the thick of Spring fire season again. Recent precipitation has been falling rather short of average although we are not approaching drought status yet, Fire Weather is effected most by the previous 3 days; most often at this time of year it's the past few hours. Spring is the single most changeable time of year in Pennsylvania. It is now when we see overnight rainfall followed by intense daytime sunshine and winds. This combination can mislead us into believing it is OK to burn our yard debris and we are surprised to learn just how quickly the forest floor can dry out. Don't be fooled; keep a close watch to the changing conditions and always consult with local authorities before burning any yard debris.
For your information, I have kept the drought link below.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
Remember -- Only YOU can prevent Wildfires!!!
