The Shadow
CHARLOTTESVILLE (AP) – Virginia forestry officials are increasing the wildfire threat level in the eastern third of the state.
The Virginia Department of Forestry says it’s elevating the wildfire threat to Class 4 – or very high – for Tuesday and Wednesday in the state’s eastern third. Temperatures forecast in the 80s and 90s, winds and low humidity are behind the elevated threat.
The elevated threat prompted Suffolk to ban open burning through Wednesday. Suffolk officials said the city will evaluate conditions Thursday to determine whether to lift the ban.
Under a Class 4 alert, fires can start easily from a tossed cigarette and spread rapidly. Outdoor burning of any kind is not recommended.
