Prepare for elevated fire danger in Capital Region until Friday morning

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 1:36 p.m. on Thursday for elevated fire danger until Friday at 6:15 a.m. for Northern Warren and Southeast Warren as well as Saratoga, Washington, Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, Greene, Columbia, Ulster and Dutchess counties."The combination of dry fuels, gusty northwest winds up to 25 to 35 mph, and minimum relative humidity values of 35 to 45% in the lower elevations, and 40 to 50% across higher elevations will contribute to an elevated risk of fire spread within much of the Hudson Valley, including Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, Greene, Columbia, Ulster, and Dutchess counties. The lowest relative humidity and strongest wind gusts are expected during the late morning to mid afternoon hours on Friday. Use extra caution if handling any potential ignition sources such as machinery or matches, and ensure to properly extinguish or dispose of cigarette butts," says the weather service.