The National Weather Service in Blacksburg is warning residents across the southside of enhanced fire danger on Tuesday and Wednesday. The combination of gusty winds, low humidity and warming temperatures will result in an increase in fire danger this afternoon. Brush, grass, and leaf litter will become increasingly dry under these weather conditions, with the winds making it easier for fires to escape containment.

Wind gusts upwards of 40 mph and relative humidity values dropping to between 25 and 30 percent are expected, increasing the chances of fires.

Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly. Outdoor burning is discouraged.