J. Weather safety. Burning requires steady speeds of 5-15 mph from a desirable direction. As relative humidity decreases and temperature increase, the effect of the wind increases. Frontal changes can cause changes in wind direction, steadiness and speed. As cloud cover increases, ease of igniting and burning an area decreases.
Humidity affects the rate at which fuel dries.
During late morning and early afternoon, relative humidity can drop quickly, causing fire size and intensity to increase rapidly. Weather information can found on the NOAA Weather Radio and the Rangeland Fire Danger Index. Avoid burning when Rangeland Fire Danger Index issues a Very High or Extreme index. Avoid burning at night. K. Exercise extreme care when burning under or near electrical power lines or high voltage transmission lines.