Wilkesboro, NC – An increased fire danger is expected across portions of northwest North Carolina today due to a combination of very dry air and gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Blacksburg. Conditions will be most hazardous from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., when humidity drops to critical levels and winds strengthen.
NWS Blacksburg reports that relative humidity will fall to between 20% and 25%, significantly drying out grasses, brush, and leaf litter across counties including Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell, Wilkes, and Yadkin. At the same time, southerly winds gusting 15 to 20 mph will increase the likelihood that any ignition could spread quickly.
Communities such as Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, Eden, Yanceyville, Danbury, and Dobson are included in today’s elevated fire threat. Even small sparks from equipment, cigarette butts, or improperly disposed matches may cause rapidly growing fires in these dry conditions.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to check with local burn permitting authorities before conducting any fire-related activity. NWS Blacksburg emphasizes caution with anything that can produce sparks, including lawn equipment, grinders, chainsaws, and welding tools. Drivers should also avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
Officials note that the dry pattern, combined with strong leaf fall this time of year, creates a highly combustible environment across northwest North Carolina. Fire risk will decrease during the evening as humidity rises and winds weaken after sunset.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay vigilant, follow local advisories, and take all necessary precautions to prevent accidental fires under today’s heightened conditions.
