The National Weather Service in State College has issued a fire weather watch for 33 counties in Pennsylvania –– including Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter, and Warren counties.

Meteorologist Mike Colbert said it is “highly recommended not to burn during a risk day.”

“If we have the confidence we’re going to see the low humidity and high winds, we will upgrade it to a warning, and that’s when we really recommend staying away from burning,” he said.

Colbert explained that the two main factors are wind and relative humidity.

“The drier the material and the drier the air, the easier it is to burn,” he said. “Winds can move the fire along and help it spread, which is not good.”

Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department’s Chief Dan Burkhouse said the risk of wildfire is “getting there.”

“With time, the snow melts and everything is brown. Usually about mid-May is the highest threat  we see,” he said. “Usually spring from the time the snow is gone until the middle of May is the highest for wildfire in this area.”

Burkhouse explained that debris burning is a leading cause of wildfire and said the dangers increase with high winds and low humidity.

He said, “The humidity is typically lower in the spring before the foliage comes out and the normal humidity comes up. Low humidity on a windy day increases the conditions for a wildfire.”

He added that fires can also break out when high winds cause trees to come into contact with power lines and advises those who wish to burn to wait until the vegetation greens up or burn on a rainy day.

“If you’re gonna burn, use a drum with a screen on top so the embers don’t spread. Definitely don’t burn on a windy day,” he advised.