Red Flag Alert lifted

The statewide Red Flag Alert is now lifted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Fire conditions have abated with rain, higher relative humidity, decreased winds, and cooler temperatures coming through the area. The conditions also alleviate some of the strain on Forestry Commission equipment and personnel. Preliminary statistics for the weekend from the Forestry Commission’s dispatch centers show three Oconee County fires that affected six acres, but no property losses. A Red Flag Fire Weather Alert does not outlaw debris burning in most unincorporated jurisdictions, but it is an advisory which strongly encourages South Carolinians to postpone burning.  The Forestry Commission reminds South Carolinians that debris burning, even where allowed, lead to nearly half of all South Carolina wildfires. You are asked to think before you burn.