...INCREASED FIRE DANGER THROUGH EARLY EVENING FOR THE VIRGINIA PIEDMONT AND ALL OF NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA... The combination of low relative humidity values in the 20 to 30 percent range, dry fuels, and gusty southwest winds will continue to dry out fuels. This will result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires through this evening. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly. Virginia residents are reminded that open burning is prohibited before 4 PM EDT each day through April 30th. A statewide burn ban is also in effect for North Carolina.