The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement for increased fire danger across Northeast Georgia through 6 p.m. Thursday, February 27. The NWS warns that due to dry conditions and gusty winds, there is an elevated risk for wildfires.
With no rain over the past few days and warm, dry air persisting, dead brush and leaf litter are now dry enough to burn due to the lack of moisture. While a cold front will move through Northeast Georgia this afternoon and evening, it is not expected to produce any widespread rainfall.
In advance of the front, winds will increase to around 15 mph, with gusts to 25 mph at times. With dry fuels in place, any wildfire that starts will have the potential to spread rapidly due to the gusty winds.
The NWS recommends that people check with their local burn permitting authorities to determine if any burn restrictions are in place. If burning is permitted, the NWS urges people to exercise extreme caution given the elevated fire danger.
