As North Georgians brace for bitterly cold temperatures, some counties are putting a hold on outdoor burn permits because of expected dry, windy weather.
A Red Flag Warning is now in effect for North and Central Georgia from 12 Noon until 7 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters say low relative humidity and high winds will make outdoor burning dangerous.
A Wind Advisory is in effect starting this evening for Northeast Georgia. Sustained northwest winds at 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph in the lower elevations are possible. Gusts could reach up to 40 mph in the higher elevations.
Due to heightened concerns over the possibility of wildfires, White County has banned outdoor burning on Saturday, Jan. 29.
“White County is a community vulnerable to wildfires, and with the Fire Weather Watch in effect for tomorrow, no burning will be allowed,” says White County Public Safety Director David Murphy. He says the county’s emergency management agency reached that decision in cooperation with the White County, Cleveland, and Helen fire departments.
Murphy asks residents to “Please help us keep you and your neighbors safe.”
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will occur within 24 hours.
Please refer to local burn permitting authorities on whether you may burn outdoors.
The Red Flag area includes the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests. Campers should avoid lighting campfires under these weather conditions. If you do burn outside, use extreme caution.
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Updated Jan. 28@3:41pm
