Fire Marshal Warns of Dangerous Conditions for Outdoor Burning

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. — The Haywood County Fire Marshal is urging residents to refrain from outdoor burning due to heightened fire risks. In a statement, the Fire Marshal said, “Fire danger is elevated across the state, including here in Haywood County. While there is currently no burn ban, we strongly discourage any outdoor burning at this time due to strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures that can cause fires to spread very quickly.”

This warning follows a 28-acre fire that started off Lower Brush Creek Road in Buncombe County, which is now 90 percent contained according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

The Fire Marshal provided safety tips for those who must burn: stay with the fire at all times, keep a cellphone nearby, and have a means to extinguish the fire immediately, such as a water hose or extinguisher. Additionally, only natural vegetation should be burned, excluding trash or building materials. Careless debris burning is noted as the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, according to the Forest Service.

Gusty winds and dry conditions are contributing to a First Alert Weather Day across parts of Eastern North Carolina, with relative humidity expected to drop to 20-25 percent in some areas. Wind gusts could reach up to 35 mph.

As temperatures are predicted to fall on Sunday night, fire danger will remain a concern, especially with the forecast of dry and cool weather continuing into the next week. Residents are encouraged to monitor local news and heed safety advisories as conditions continue to evolve.