USFS: Fire Danger Increasing in Western North Carolina

The U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Forest Service are warning the public of increasing fire danger in western North Carolina.

Last weekend’s rainfall was not widespread and not enough to alleviate the dry conditions and persistent drought that has resulted from low rainfall in the past few months. Fuels in the forest will readily burn if ignited. Fire danger is predicted to remain high for the rest of October and into December.

Both agencies would like to remind the public to use caution in any outdoor burning. Even when burn-bans are not in effect, conditions may not be advisable for outdoor fires. The public is discouraged from burning yard waste during periods of low humidity or high winds.

The N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires while camping:

* Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible

* Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones

* Pour until hissing sound stops

* Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel

* Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers

* Stir and make sure everything is wet and they are cold to the touch

* If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers.

* Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool.

* Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.



Jeff
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