Drought conditions continue to worsen across North Carolina.
Today’s new state drought monitor places all of Columbus in the Severe Drought category. The last measurable rainfall here was April 6.
No water restrictions have been put in place, but officials are urging all residents to repair any leaks in water systems, to prevent waste, and to eliminate any non-essential water usage, such as watering lawns.
State officials announced today (Thursday) that farmers in 82 counties are eligible for disaster relief due to the dry conditions. Go to U.S. Department of Agriculture for more.
At the same time, wildfire conditions are becoming more dangerous across the entire state. A statewide burning ban is in place. The N.C. Forest Service said today that 62 fires are being fought or monitored across the state, including the largest blaze in the state on the Bladen-Columbus line at Rosindale. That fire is now at 70 percent containment, and affected 748 acres.
