Raleigh, NC – A heightened fire risk is in effect across central North Carolina, with officials warning residents in the Raleigh-Durham and surrounding areas to avoid any open flames through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, dry fuels, low relative humidity between 20 to 30 percent, and wind gusts reaching 30 mph are combining to create dangerous fire weather conditions. The period of greatest risk is expected during the afternoon and early evening hours Tuesday and Wednesday.
The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on all open burning until further notice. All burning permits have been canceled. The ban applies to cities including Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Fayetteville, as well as surrounding counties such as Wake, Durham, Guilford, Forsyth, and Cumberland.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor grilling, discard cigarette butts responsibly, and avoid parking on dry grass. Local fire marshals and county forest rangers are available for questions and updates.
These conditions are not unusual for early spring in North Carolina, when dry air masses and strong winds frequently follow cold fronts. Authorities warn that even a small spark could ignite rapidly spreading wildfires.
Preparedness and caution remain key through Wednesday evening.
