Drier conditions pose the threat of fires getting out of control

BRUNSWICK COUNYT, NC (WWAY) — State officials say the drought monitor has the Cape Fear falling into the abnormally dry range, which has many concerned about a risk of wildfires breaking out in our area. 

WWAY visited Leland Fire Station 51 and spoke with Fire Chief Ronnie Hayes. He said at this point, the dry conditions in our area aren’t as severe as they are in other parts of the state.  

But he said there are some precautions we can and should be taking in the meantime. 

Town of Leland Fire Chief Ronnie Hayes said help is on the way for crews battling wildfires in the western part of the state. 

“You could see some departments in this area actually deploying. It’s not a state deployment yet but they are asking for assistance,” Hayes said. 

Hayes said while there isn’t a burning ban in place for our area, at this point, most counties in our area are advising people not to burn right now.       

But he said if you plan to burn and have a permit to never leave your fire unattended, try to burn when there is little-to-no wind blowing, and burn on ground that will not catch fire easily if embers happen to fall on it.  

“When we’re dry like this and then also, we have a low humidity, fire will spread more rapidly. So, we need to make sure we’re using precaution during that time,” Hayes said. 

He said when outdoor burning, regardless of conditions, you should never burn near flammable objects. He said to keep your hose nearby and put out the fire even if you think it’ll die on its own.  

Hayes said he and his crew, although on standby at all times, stay extra alert in drier conditions because of the risk it poses.  

“Everybody needs to use caution during this time when they’re doing their burning,” Hayes said. 

It’s hard to tell how long these conditions may last. But things may be looking up, forecasters are expecting above average rainfall as we move into the winter months.