The entire area is under a special weather advisory for increased fire danger through Tuesday evening, and Whiteville city officials are reminding residents that it’s illegal to burn debris within the city limits.
The combination of dry fuels, low humidity and very little rainfall is creating a dangerous fire situation, Emergency Services Director Hal Lowder said in an email.
“The fire danger today is very high,” he said, “and for Tuesday it will be in the extreme category.”
Lowder noted that the city does not allow open burning within the city limits.
“Under certain conditions, commercial land clearing is allowed, however I will not be issuing any land clearing permits, nor will I issue any this season,” he said. “We continue to discourage outdoor cooking fires.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting “High” fire danger levels March 5-7 and March 9, with March 8 being “Very High”.
“Currently we are in a moderate drought,” Lowder said. “Drought conditions are forecast to persist through March and the rest of the spring fire season.”
A storm system passing through the area Wednesday could bring severe weather, as well as some badly needed rainfall, but the system will be followed by more dry, high pressure Friday.
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