Red Flag Warning Issued For Friday By National Weather Service

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Red Flag Warning for Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for wind and low relative humidity.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry brush. Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain, said the forecasters.

The warning area includes all of southeastern Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley and all of New Jersey and Delaware.

Between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., winds are expected to be west 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph with the relative humidity as low as 29 percent.

Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

No Burn Ban In Bucks

A temporary burn ban continues for all of Bucks County. The ban prohibits open fires, including the incineration of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper and other materials whether in burn
barrels, fire rings or on the ground.

The temporary ban came at the urging of top municipal fire officials from throughout Bucks County who requested the measure in response to the extended period of dry conditions affecting the area.

The ban does not prohibit the use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquet grills, or the use of tobacco in any form. Campfires in campgrounds are allowed in fire rings that confine and contain the campfire, and where all flammable materials have been removed for a radius of five feet.

Under state law, a violation of this ban is a summary offense punishable by fines starting at $100 for a first offense.

Water Conservation Measures

A number of Bucks County municipalities have asked its water users to voluntarily conserve water this fall due to the ongoing dry conditions.

Here are some water conservation measures recommended by Bucks County water departments:

• Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Take shorter showers.
• Water your lawn only if necessary. Avoid watering on windy and hot days. Watering grass lightly and efficiently will encourage healthier, deeper grass roots. Over watering is wasteful, encourages fungal growth and disease, and results in shallow, compacted root systems that are more susceptible to drought. When mowing your lawn, set the blades 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil, improving moisture retention.
• Water your garden less often. If necessary, water only in the cooler evening or morning hours, and direct the water to the ground at the base of the plant. Focus on new plantings, which have shallow root systems. Older plants may endure dry conditions longer.
• Skip the car washing. If you must wash your car, it’s better environmentally to go to a drive- thru car wash that recycles its water.
• Sweep your sidewalk, deck, or driveway, instead of hosing it off.
• Check for and repair household leaks. For example, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine less often, and only with full loads.