South Carolina sees spike in wildfires, urges caution during debris burns

ABC News,
Screenshot 2024 07 12 At 111055am

South Carolina sees spike in wildfires, urges caution during debris burns (Credit: SC Forestry Commission)

 

(WPDE) — The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said that between June 1 and July 7 the forestry commission responded to more than 200 wildfires which is higher than the state ten-year average.

These fires are due to the dry weather South Carolina has been facing, but ABC15 spoke to the Director of Communications from the South Carolina Forestry Commission, Doug Wood, and he said that there is a wildfire risk every day and other factors come into play.

Wood explains that drought is a concern when it comes to wildfires, but wind and humidity are what really matter.

Wood said, “This time of year in the south, it is very hot it’s very humid, so we are in a drought but our relative humidity is still very high.”

He said that this time of year is not common for wildfires in the south, but they can still happen and drought can still contribute to them.

Wood said that the number one cause of wildfires in South Carolina is escaped debris burns and the way these fires can easily spread.

He explains that we all need to take extra precautions if we want to do ‘at home’ control burns.

Wood said, “One, notify the forestry commission if you are going to do a debris burn in your yard. Two, clear a firebreak around the fire at least as big as the fire itself. Three, have tools and water handy to address the fire if it were to get out of the firebreak. And four, never leave the fire for any reason until it’s completely out.”

Officials are urging residents to burn responsibly.

To track State Forestry Commission wildfires in real time, click here.

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