SC Forestry Commission issues ‘Red Flag Alert’ for outdoor burning

(Courtesy: SCFC/Twitter)

(Courtesy: SCFC/Twitter)

(WPDE) — The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a Red Flag Alert Friday to discourage people from burning outdoors.

Weather conditions have increased the risk of wildfires, including low humidity, lack of significant rain and gusty winds through the weekend.

“A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, provided that all other state and local regulations are followed, but the Forestry Commission uses the alert to strongly encourage citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted,” according to a news release from the SCFC.

The agency advises land managers to take extra care before conducting prescribed fires.

“The dangerous conditions we’re going to see over the next few days make a good portion of the state vulnerable to fires that can spread rapidly and be difficult to control,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “These kinds of spring weather patterns are what make this time of year the traditional peak of our wildfire season.”

SCFC firefighters responded to 183 wildfires in January, nearly double its five-year average for the first month of the year, and more than 300 wildfires in February.

March is historically when we see the most wildfires in South Carolina.

While the Red Flag Alert doesn’t ban outdoor burning, residents are encouraged to check with their municipalities to see if a local burn ban is in effect.