Red Flag Fire Alert Issued by Forestry Officials

A Red Flag Fire Alert has been issued as of this morning by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The alert went into effect at 7:00 am and will last until at least Thursday, at which time the relative humidity is expected to rise and fire dangers are expected to reduce.

Forecasts over the next 48 hours or so call for gusty winds of between 15 and 20 mph and low humidity, which creates the potential for outdoor fires to easily spread. The alert is to discourage outdoor burning when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire.

A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, provided that all other state and local regulations are followed, but the Forestry Commission strongly encourages citizens to
voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted. However, a Red Flag Fire Alert does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires, so residents should contact their local fire departments to check whether such restrictions apply.