CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of increased fire danger across portions of central Virginia, including Nelson, Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Orange, and Culpeper counties. Areas affected include Lovingston, Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Orange, Gordonsville, and Culpeper.

Relative humidity levels are expected to drop to 25-35% on Wednesday afternoon, with sustained west to northwest winds of 15-20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. These conditions, combined with dry vegetation and fuel moisture levels of 10-15%, create an elevated risk for the rapid spread of wildfires.

Residents are urged to check with local burn permitting authorities before conducting any outdoor burning. If burning outdoors, use extreme caution. Additional information on Virginia’s burn restrictions is available at dof.virginia.gov.