CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Warm and windy conditions across the Piedmont and western North Carolina created a high fire danger Wednesday.
A month ago when we saw these conditions, multiple homes were destroyed in a retirement community in Indian Land. Fire officials believed a cigarette started that fire after high winds blew the ashes into pine straw surrounding a house.
"Southwesterly flow will increase to around 10-20 mph during the evening ahead," said meteorologist Sarah Fortner. "Models suggest that RH values will fall to around 22-35 percent during peak heating hours."
Fortner said despite widespread areas of rain over the past couple of days, recent drying has caused dry fine fuels in at least localized areas. Where these fuels exist, an elevated fire weather threat will develop.
Here's what NOT to do during a period of elevated fire danger:
- Mow your lawn
- Pull over on grass
- Leave trailer chains hanging
- Dispose of cigarettes carelessly