A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 9:29 a.m. for elevated fire danger until 7 p.m. The alert is for Southern Herkimer, Northern Saratoga, Northern Warren, Northern Washington, Southern Saratoga, Southeast Warren and Southern Washington as well as Montgomery and Schoharie counties.

“Despite last night’s rainfall, the combination of relative humidity dropping to 25 to 35 percent, frequent wind gusts of 25 to 30 miles per hour, and drying fine fuels will contribute to an elevated risk of fire spread this afternoon. The risk will be highest over southern Herkimer, Montgomery, and Schoharie counties in the Leatherstocking Fire Danger Rating Area, and in Warren, Saratoga, and Washington counties in the Upper Hudson Valley/Champlain Fire Danger Rating Area. Any fires that develop in dry grass or brush will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. The annual statewide burn ban is in effect until May 14. No burn permits are issued,” says the NWS.

Source: The National Weather Service