Dry weather continues across Georgia and the Carolinas, increasing the risk of grass and brush fires across the region.
While conditions have improved in some parts of Georgia, high fire danger continues in extreme Northeast Georgia including Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun, and Stephens counties.
The National Weather Service says a dry air mass will remain entrenched over the area, with afternoon relative humidity Wednesday dropping to the 35 to 45 percent range. The dry conditions and exceptionally dry fuels will make outdoor burning dangerous.
North Carolina has banned all outdoor burning until further notice. Wildfires in that state have burned more than 1,300 acres in recent days. The largest, the Grindstone Fire, has devoured 1,050 acres and, as of December 1, was only 20 percent contained.
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“It is fall wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” says Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly.”
Across Upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia, refer to your local burn authority before starting any fires.
