Fire Danger Alert Issued for Several South Carolina Counties

Columbia, SC – Attention everyone! If you’re in the Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Newberry, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, or Sumter counties, you need to stay alert. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a fire danger alert that will be in effect until Tuesday at 1 p.m. This comes as dry weather conditions and strong winds are raising concerns about dangerous fire behavior.

What’s Causing the Fire Danger?

The NWS explained that the combination of dry fuels and low relative humidity is a recipe for potential wildfires. While moisture levels are expected to rise around Tuesday, the winds will be a different story. Forecasters are predicting gusty winds that could exceed 20 mph in the southern Midlands and Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) in the afternoon. These conditions mean that even with added moisture, the fire danger is likely to continue.

Burn Ban in Effect

As a precaution, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has put a burn ban in place to minimize the risk of wildfires. This ban will remain until further notice, and any updates will come directly from the Forestry Commission. Residents are strongly encouraged to act with diligence and avoid any activities that could ignite a fire.

Weather on the Horizon

Now, for the good news! There’s a shift in the weather coming soon. The NWS has forecasted widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms to move through the state late Tuesday night and into Wednesday afternoon. This will happen ahead of a strong cold front, promising some much-needed moisture and relief from current conditions.

As we get closer to the cold front’s arrival, it’s wise to be prepared and stay informed. If you’re planning outdoor activities in the affected counties, consider postponing any burning or grilling. Remember, safety first! Always keep an eye on the weather updates, as local conditions can change swiftly.

What You Can Do

It’s important for the community to come together during these dry times. Here are a few tips to help prevent wildfires:

• Don’t burn any yard debris.
• Make sure that any campfires are completely extinguished.
• If you smoke, dispose of cigarettes properly and never toss them on the ground.
• Check your local regulations regarding burning to avoid any violations.

Stay Informed!

Make sure to keep your phone or other devices handy so you can receive real-time updates. This is especially important as we approach the afternoon hours when winds may pick up. Following reliable weather channels and local authorities will provide you with the most current information.

So remember, residents of Columbia and surrounding areas, while we look forward to the relief that rain may bring, let’s stay diligent and safe. We hope for everyone’s cooperation in following the burn ban and taking the necessary precautions against the fire danger while we navigate through these challenging weather conditions.

Stay safe and keep an eye on the skies!