With weather forecasters warning that the combination of low humidity and windy conditions is creating increased fire risks, a fire in New London Township proves those warnings should be heeded.

The West Grove Fire Company was dispatched for a brush fire at 1:43pm on Saturday in New London Township on West Avondale Road near State Road, with reports of a brush fire spreading to a shed. Residents burning yard waste in a 55-gallon drum had burning embers jump to brush on the ground. Windy and dry conditions meant the fire spread quickly, reaching a nearby shed.

Brush 22, responding from the nearby fire station in New London, arrived on location and deployed into the back yard, with crews quickly knocking down the fire spread. Additional firefighters on Engine 22-1 and Ladder 22 helped open up the shed walls to extinguish fire extension. Tanker 22 was on scene with additional water, and Ambulance 22-2 and fire police were also on scene.

The National Weather Service has issued daily Special Weather Statements indicating that current conditions risk fire spread, and urging caution in any use of fire outdoors for the next few days. For more information about this weather warning, see: https://www.wgfc.org/news/1276/Sunday-Increased-Wildfire-Risk-Today-Due-to-Low-Humidity-Dry-Conditions-and-Wind

The WGFC recommends postponing outdoor burning and fire-related activities (like bonfires and camp fires) when windy, low-humidity conditions are present.