Overview

• Wildfires in northern and northwestern Virginia prompted Shenandoah National Park to close parts of Skyline Drive and ban open fires.
• Smoke from the fires has affected air quality in the Washington D.C. area, shifting it from good to moderate.
• The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings due to strong winds and low humidity, heightening the risk of further wildfires.
• Officials in Virginia and Maryland are on high alert, with several areas declaring emergencies and asking residents to evacuate.
• Rain is expected by the weekend, which could help mitigate the fire threat.