Red Flag Warning Issued for Central Maryland

Conditions are favorable Thursday for "extreme fire behavior" across much of central Maryland, where the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly," according to the weather service. "A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

Should a fire occur, there is potential for it to spread rapidly, the weather service advised. The afternoon and early evening are when wind gusts will be strongest—up to 35 mph—according to weather officials.

People should not burn materials outside Thursday and should ensure that any lit items—like cigarettes or matches—are completely extinguished before disposal, officials say.

The red flag warning applies to central and southern Maryland: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Marys counties as well as the District of Columbia.

Northern, central and western Maryland counties are also prone to the rapid spread of wildfires late Thursday morning through early evening; the National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties because of low humidity and low fuel moisture, which enhance the potential for wildfires to spread.

The warnings come the day after multiple brush fires along the CSX rail line caused hours of train delays and several road closures. Train travel was limited on the Camden line Thursday morning as a result.

• Brush Fires on CSX Rail Lines Placed Under Control
• After Brush Fires, MARC Service Limited Thursday

Pictured, firefighter at the scene of brush fire that broke out Wednesday, March 23, on the CSX rail lines. Photo Credit: Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.