Continued dry weather is creating dangerous wildfire conditions across North Carolina.
The combination of low humidity, high winds and the rainfall deficit is increasing the fire danger in all parts of the state, according to the N.C. Forest Service.
Columbus, Bladen and Brunswick counties are listed in the high risk category. Just west of Interstate 95 conditions are considered very high, with the central portion of the state in the extreme category.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged until major rains move in, the Forest Service said. No burn bans have been issued by the state or the county at this time, the Forest Service said this morning. That is expected to change in the coming days.
Spring is typically a busy season for wildfires, due to dry vegetation, forest litter left over from fall and winter storms, and generally low precipitation. The entire region is still in a rainfall deficit that began last year, making conditions worse than usual.
Most wildfires in te state are caused by humans, either by accident or on purpose. Discarded cigarette butts, careless burning of debris, and farm and logging equipment can spark fast moving wildfires during the spring and summer months.
Before conducting any outdoor burning, the Forest Service suggests the following:
- Check fire danger in your area:https://climate.ncsu.edu/fire/.
- Check the weather for your area, especially wind conditions:gov.
- Contact your local NCFS county ranger’s office for guidance:gov/contacts.
