Centre County is under a red flag warning Wednesday. Here’s what to know

Centre County is under a red flag warning Wednesday.

This warning from the National Weather Service replaces the fire weather watch that was previously in effect and indicates that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or are about to occur due to a mix of strong winds, dry fuels and low relative humidity.

The red flag warning is in effect until 8 p.m. for all of central Pennsylvania. The weather service advises against outdoor burning and says “any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain.”

Winds of 10-20 mph are expected across the region with gusts up to 30 mph, while the minimum relative humidity will be 25-35%. High temperatures will reach the mid-70s to low 80s, the weather service said.

The risk of wildfires in Pennsylvania is highest during spring (March, April and May) and fall (October and November), the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said. Wildfires are more likely to occur when there is an available fuel source — such as dried grass or leaves — dry conditions including low relative humidity and an ignition source, or a way for the fire to start, the DCNR said.

During the spring, days become longer and warmer, while trees are still bare. This allows sunlight to reach the forest floor, which warms and dries the ground. Combined with strong, dry winds, this creates a large amount of combustible fuels, DCNR said.

In Pennsylvania, 99% of wildfires are caused by people, and most of these fires are caused by debris burning.

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn last week warned of increasing seasonal risk of wildfires.

“Dry conditions across the Commonwealth have led to elevated risks for fires to spread this year,” Dunn said in a statement. “We know that a simple act of carelessness when lighting a camp or bonfire could prove disastrous among tinder-dry conditions in some of our forests. Wildfire dangers climb with each day of sun and wind and we encourage Pennsylvanians to be cautious when lighting fires during these conditions.”

DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry offers these guidelines for preventing wildfires:

• Clear the area around the fire prior to starting it.
• Keep the fire small and never leave it unattended.
• Before you strike a campfire match, first consider if it is too warm, dry or windy for a fire and if the surrounding area is free of leaves and other combustibles.
• Make sure there is a ready source of water (bucket or hose) nearby and a rake to extinguish any embers that might escape.
• When you are done with the fire put it out with water until all ashes are cold to the touch.

This story was originally published April 12, 2023 at 5:00 AM.