Breezy winds heighten fire danger
Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2023
- A burn ban remains in effect. This picture was taken on Tiger Trail last week as Zetus Volunteer Fire Department put out a grass fire. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)
BROOKHAVEN — Lincoln County remains under a burn ban until further notice. If the legal implications of receiving a citation for burning during a burn ban or being held liable for any damage to property from fires you start is not enough to keep you from starting a fire, the National Weather Service warns of fire danger today.
Breezy conditions, low humidity and dry fuel could allow for any fires that start to quickly get out of control. Open burning is discouraged and people are encouraged to take precautions. Do not dispose of cigarette butts on the ground, put up trailer chains so they do not drag along the roadways and refrain from brush hogging or mowing during this time. All it takes is one spark to get a fire going.
Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Reid said there have been no reports of fires on Monday or so far today. Lincoln County Volunteer Fire Departments responded to a handful of wildfires last week.
Sadly, it looks like drought conditions will not improve anytime soon. No chance of rain from now through Monday. Each day will be sunny. Wind gusts are forecast to reach 20 mph from today through Thursday.
Drought conditions are forecast to improve by the end of November, the last month of fall, but they will still remain. A substantial amount of rain will be needed to lift any drought or burn ban conditions.
Remember, 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. Only you can prevent wildfires.