At 4:33 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued an updated special weather statement until 8 p.m. The alert is for Northern Cayuga, Northern Erie and Southern Erie as well as Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

“A combination of dry and windy conditions will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across western NY today. Minimum relative humidity values will drop as low as 25 percent and south winds will increase to 10 to 20 mph with wind gusts up to 30 mph. Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential sources of ignition, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. Fire will have the potential to spread rapidly if dry grasses and tree litter ignite. The annual statewide burn ban is in effect through May 14,” states the NWS.

Source: The National Weather Service