(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a red flag fire weather alert for the entire state effective at midnight.
A statement issued by the commission Saturday said weather conditions, including wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour in some areas, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures, will contribute to an elevated fire danger level. The alert will remain in effect until it's lifted by the commission.
The commission said a red flag fire weather alert doesn't outlaw debris burning in most unincorporated jurisdictions, but it is an advisory which strongly encourages residents to postpone burning. Some local ordinances do ban burning during such an alert.
Forestry officials ask anyone thinking about burning yard debris to wait until after it rains again.Saturday afternoon, a fire destroyed 26 buildings at amn apartment complex in Carolina Forest. Fire officials say a brush fire spread to the homes.
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