Columbia, South Carolina – 35 mph wind gusts are accelerating wildfire spread through 11 p.m. Saturday, creating dangerous conditions across the Midlands and CSRA and increasing the risk of fast-moving fires.
Strong winds will persist throughout the day, with gusts exceeding 30 mph across central South Carolina and east-central Georgia. At the same time, relative humidity levels are expected to fall to 20% or lower, allowing vegetation to dry rapidly and become highly flammable by the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 8 a.m. through 11 p.m. Saturday for all Midlands counties and the Central Savannah River Area. This includes Columbia, Aiken, Sumter, Orangeburg, and Augusta, where conditions are most favorable for rapid fire ignition and spread.
Both South Carolina and Georgia have burn bans in place, and any outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Fires that start could spread quickly across fields, wooded areas, and along major corridors such as I-20 and I-26, threatening nearby homes and reducing visibility for drivers.
Residents should avoid activities that create sparks, including using grills, towing chains, or operating equipment in dry grass. Emergency crews may face difficult containment conditions due to strong winds.
The highest fire danger will continue through late evening before winds gradually weaken overnight. Elevated fire risk may persist into Sunday if dry conditions remain in place.
