Dry Conditions Cause Dangerous Brush Fires Across Maryland
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Risky, dry conditions are causing dangerous brush fires across Maryland and up the East Coast. Is there any relief in sight?
Kai Jackson explains what's fueling the fires.
There are red flag warnings in parts of Maryland, which means critical fire conditions are occurring. Brush fires have been burning around Maryland. It includes an 18-acre blaze in Harford County and authorities say the danger is just heating up.
"All it takes is a spark in conditions like this to ignite a serious woods-fire, brush fire," said Elise Armacost, Baltimore County Public Safety.
Authorities say a combination of a shortfall in rain recently, low moisture in the ground and high winds have created perfect conditions for devastating fires.
"Very concerned for my house, my neighbor's house, our property, kids," said one person.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the mild winter has meant little to no snowmelt, which has hurt the groundwater supply. Most of Maryland is abnormally dry so far this spring.
A state map shows the strain that area streams are under, represented by red and orange dots.
In Suffolk County, Long Island, brush fires are burning out of control. Experts say dry weather has created the danger of wildfires along the East Coast.
Because of the conditions, there is a burn ban in effect in Baltimore County.
