FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, FEB. 24, 2012

N.C. Forest Service urges residents not to burn Saturday

RALEIGH - The N.C. Forest Service is encouraging residents not to burn yard debris Saturday, due to the potential for increased fire danger.

Despite rain falling on portions of the state Friday, the National Weather Service and the N.C. Forest Service are issuing a fire danger watch for western parts of the state Saturday.  The weather forecast is calling for the possibility of sustained winds of 20 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph, coupled with low humidity, which will cause any wildfires that occur to spread quickly.

The National Weather Service and the N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor precipitation amounts, wind speeds, relative humidity and atmospheric stability Friday and overnight into early Saturday morning, and could issue a red flag warning if conditions warrant. A red flag warning indicates an increased risk due to critical fire weather such as unstable air, high winds, low humidity, and low fuel moisture, such as dry grasses and leaves.

As of Thursday, Feb. 23, there have been 618 wildfires this year that have burned nearly 2,600 acres across the state. Careless burning of debris remains the number one cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

“Remember to act safely and protect North Carolina’s natural resources; don’t burn on dry, windy days, and maintain a careful watch over a fire until it is extinguished,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, go to www.ncforestservice.gov and click on “fire” and follow the links, or contact Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-857-4828.

-BRH-1