ELEVATED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON – WEDNESDAY (03/08/2023)...

A combination of low relative humidity, a strong northwest wind, and relatively dry fine fuels will lead to an elevated risk for fire spread this afternoon across much of Delaware and the eastern shore of Maryland.

Minimum relative humidity values will be around 30 percent. The northwest wind will range from 15 to 20 MPH with gusts of 25 to 30 MPH.

Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches.

Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials.

Any dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread fire quickly.

(?) - What does elevated risk of fire spread mean?

"A High Threat to Life and Property from Existing or Potential Wildfires Due to Weather and Fuel Conditions." All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes.

National Fire Danger Rating System - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/home/?cid=stelprdb5173311

1. What is the National Fire Danger Rating System?

The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is a system that allows fire personnel to estimate today's or tomorrow's fire danger for a given area.  It combines the effects of existing and expected states of selected fire danger factors into one or more qualitative or numeric indices that reflect an area's fire protection needs.