CHARLESTON, WV — Friday’s high winds and warm temperatures have Division of Forestry officials asking West Virginians to avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve.

Forestry officials cite media reports of multiple brush fires in south-central West Virginia, including Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln and Putnam counties. Forestry fire personnel also continue to fight a fire in a wooded area near Pecks Mill in Logan County. Officials caution that snow melt is also creating swift fire conditions along with the wind and temperatures. Conditions should lessen the potential fire hazard when rain enters the area over the weekend.