The transition period between winter and spring is known for a dangerous time for fire weather.

Parts of the valley are already several inches below average in rainfall.

The Forestry Department reminds residents to be smart when burning during this time of the year.

Gerald Crowell is the Area Forester. He says the burn ban lasts until April 30th.

"It is based solely on weather conditions," explains Crowell. "This time of the year, everything is dead and brown from the winter, nothing has greened up so it is highly flammable and the weather systems that come through this time of the year bring through high winds and low humidity. These warm sunny days dry the grass very fast so it can catch fire readily," adds Crowell.

Since February 8, there have been 46 reported wildfires in Frederick and Clarke counties.

According to the John Hisghman of the Department of Forestry 5 structures in Frederick county have been damaged, but luckily no homes were damaged.

"With the help of the fire departments, we protected 79 homes in Frederick County and 94 structures," explains Higshman. "The total value of protected property just from the homes and structures is over $20 million and probably at least several hundred thousands of dollars in timber and other assets," adds Higshman.

The wind has not helped either as the fire and forestry departments have had up to 11 fires in one day.