CONWAY -- The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a Red Flag Warning for Robeson, Bladen, Pender, Columbus, Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion and Williamsburg counties.
A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions exist in the warning areas. We are experiencing low humidity, afternoon highs in the 80's, dry ground conditions and winds out of the southwest this afternoon of 20 to 30 mph, gusting at times to 30-35 mph.
The warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
What does that mean for you? It means that outdoor burning is not prohibited, but it's not a good idea.
We checked with the state Forestry Commission, and that agency has not issued its own Red Flag Alert.
Forestry spokesman Scott Hawkins says they do support the National Weather Service's decision to issue a warning.
Hawkins says the National Weather Service's decision to issue a warning is based purely on scientific factors. The Forestry Commission takes into account human factors, like the fact that on a Wednesday, fewer people are off work and at home to burn leaves, for example.
When the Forestry Commission issues a Red Flag Alert it also means they have to step up personnel and must cancel any controlled or prescribed burns they may have planned for maintaining forest land.
Hawkins says anytime conditions are like they are today - dry, low humidity, and windy - it's best to just not burn outdoors.
For tips, rules and regulations regarding outdoor burning in South Carolina, click here.
