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Abnormally dry weather in Fairfax County is making leaves, trees and grass more likely to ignite—and helping outdoor fires spread rapidly. Residents should take extra care with grills, smoking materials, fireplace ashes and anything else that produces heat or sparks.

Cigarettes should never be thrown from moving vehicles because they can ignite roadside grass. They also should not be discarded in potted plants, mulch or shrubbery, where dry soil and vegetation may catch fire.

Place cigarettes and other smoking materials in an ashtray, bucket or fire-resistant container. Completely soak cigarette butts and ashes with water before throwing them away, since they can continue smoldering after they appear extinguished.

Fireplace, fire pit and wood-stove ashes can remain hot for several days. Put them in a lidded metal container, add water to ensure they are cool and keep the container outdoors on a noncombustible surface, safely away from the home and anything that could burn.

Never put ashes in paper or plastic bags, cardboard boxes or plastic trash cans. Ash containers also should not be stored on decks, porches or in garages. Everyone in the household should understand how to handle ashes safely.

After grilling, soak the fire with water and make sure the area is cool to the touch before leaving. Transfer coals into a dedicated metal container with a tight-fitting lid, then place it outside and away from combustible materials. Never dump coals directly into a trash can.

Charcoal starter fluid should be stored away from heat sources and beyond the reach of children.