A brush fire in Clendenin can be seen from I-79 (WCHS-WVAH)
By: Jarrod Clay | Posted: April 12, 2018 | Source: WVAH
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — On the day the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning in several West Virginia counties due to dry and windy conditions, Metro 911 said there are at least three working brush fires in Kanawha County.
Dispatchers said the largest fire currently burning is in Tornado near Hudson Valley Drive where about 68 acres are burning.
A two-acre fire also broke out in the Sissonville area, but firefighters have that fire about 80 percent contained.
A third brush fire is burning just off of Interstate 79 south in Clendenin. Dispatchers do not know how big that fire is at this time.
Brush Fire beside Mile Marker 14 along I-79 South. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xxOFZBQR75
— Brandon Stover (@BrandonWxWCHS) April 12, 2018
With winds expected at 15 to 25 mph and gusting up to 40 mph, the warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday, the weather service said.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 PM EDT this evening. Low relative humidity and strong southwest winds will lead to an elevated fire risk. Any outdoor burning is not recommended. #WVwx #KYwx #OHwx #swva pic.twitter.com/OFfnIdGaeZ
— NWS Charleston, WV (@NWSCharlestonWV) April 12, 2018
The weather service said outdoor burning is not recommended because any fires that develop will likely spread quickly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
The warning about the danger of outdoor burning comes at a time when limits are already in place for forest fire season, which started March 1 and runs through May 31. No burning is currently allowed between 7 a.m. through 5 p.m., and all fires are to be extinguished by 7 a.m., according to information from Kanawha County Emergency Management. A 10-foot safety strip should be placed around outdoor fires, and it is against the law to leave a fire unattended.
To see a full list of counties under the red flag warning, click here.
For the latest Eyewitness News Storm Team forecast, click here.
