Abingdon, Virginia

... Fire weather/fire prevention awareness week continues today with a
look at understanding how weather conditions affect fire behavior...

Weather is one of the most significant factors in determining the spread
rate and intensity of fires. Two of the most important weather parameters
are wind speed and relative humidity. In general... the higher the wind
speed and lower the relative humidity... the greater the potential and
intensity of fires. Windy conditions will help in spreading the fire
downwind... while lower humidities will quickly dry out vegetation (such as
dead leaves and branches) making wildfires easier to ignite and harder to
contain.

Forecasting changes in wind direction is also very important to fighting
wildfires. A change in wind direction will make the fire spread in a
different direction... which could place life and property in harm's way.
Precipitation amounts and duration are very important in determining the
day's fire potential. Rain and snow will wet down vegetation making fire
ignition and burning more difficult... while making the containment of
wildfires easier.

Residents whose homes are in forested areas... or those who plan on
visiting area forests... should follow firewise practices and keep abreast
of the latest forecast from your National Weather Service. Keep in touch
with local land management agencies about possible burn restrictions and
preparedness actions... especially during prolonged dry conditions. A good
website to obtain firewise and burning restriction information is
www.Burnsafetn.Org .

Children can also play a major role in preventing fires by remembering the
following safety tips:

1. Never play with matches... lighters... flammable liquids... or any
   fire!!!

2. Tell your friends about fire prevention.

3. Tell an adult right away if you see smoke... find matches... or see
   someone playing with matches.

4. Stay calm during an emergency and listen to instructions from an
   adult. Remember... smokey bear needs your help to spread the word
   that "only you can prevent Forest fires".

The topic for Wednesday will be... drought and its effects on wildfires.

&&

For additional fire weather information... please go to the following
website: www.Srh.NOAA.Gov/mrx/firewx.Php .