Officials urge caution during wildfire season

Wildfire season has begun for the region. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources urging people to take precautions as we enter peak wildfire season.

Officials say early spring and late fall are the times of highest risk as a strong sun is unimpeded by forest leaf cover and dries out tinder on the ground. Coupled with low relative humidity and a breeze, conditions are ripe for fires to break out and spread quickly.

State Fire Supervisor with the Maryland Forest Service, Monte Mitchell says extra caution should be used during outdoor burning and while using gas-powered machinery. Mitchell says it doesn’t take much for dry leaves to ignite and become a serious problem.