A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 9:39 a.m. for elevated fire danger until 7 p.m. The alert is for Southern Cayuga and Southern Oneida as well as Yates, Seneca, Onondaga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome and Delaware counties.

“Despite recent rainfall, relative humidity will drop as low as 25 to 35 percent this afternoon along with northwest winds gusting 20 to 30 mph. These dry and windy conditions will pose an elevated risk for wildfire spread this afternoon in parts of Central New York. Any fires that develop in dry grass or brush will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and a burn ban is in place. Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter ignite, the fire will likely spread very rapidly. The annual statewide burn ban is in effect until May 14. No burn permits are issued,” says the NWS.

Source: The National Weather Service