Fire Watch Issued In New York State

Today could be a very dangerous day in New York State.

Much of the state is under a "Fire Watch" due to high winds that are expected to sweep across the state which could end up helping wildfires grow out of control.

The National Weather Service in both Albany and Binghamton have issued fire concerns for Central and Eastern New York.

READ MORE: SUMMER SNOW SHOWERS EXPECTED ACROSS NEW YORK

The Fire Watch has been issued because natural fuels like dry leaves and litter could catch on fire and spread across the state.

Fine fuels, such as grass and leaf litter, will continue to dry
across the region today. This combined with low relative humidity values of 25 to 35 percent and south to southwest winds gusting 20 to 30 mph may have an impact on fire weather conditions.

Due to the expected high winds across the state, small fires could grow out of control and become a major fire issue.

The annual New York statewide burn ban is in effect until May 14th.

READ MORE: METEOR SHOWER WILL BE VISIBLE ACROSS NEW YORK THIS WEEK

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, humans are responsible for around 95% of wildfires in New York State.

• 95% by humans.
• Lightning is responsible for 5%.
• Debris burning accounts for 33%.
• Incendiary fires account for 16%.
• Campfires cause 16%.
• Children are responsible for 4%.
• Smoking, equipment, railroads, and miscellaneous causes contribute to the remaining 25% of wildfires.

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