N.C. Forest Service warns wildfire risks persist, despite cooler fall temperatures
By WLOS Staff
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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — With more cool nights ahead with the arrival of fall in western North Carolina, there will be more campfires and bonfires lit.
That’s’ why the North Carolina Forest Service is issuing a warning, urging people to take extra care before lighting the match.
The Forest Service said in a news release that when building a fire, it’s best practice to keep the fire small, not tall. The Forest Service said there is also still Helene debris that could catch fire quickly.
Other tips for fire safety include the following:
Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up burning. When it comes to tending to the fire, never leave your fire. You must stay until it is completely out. A good rule of thumb – if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Remember, it is illegal to burn anything other than natural vegetation.
The Forest Service said in the release that wildfire activity typically increases from October through early December when falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions can allow fires to spread quickly. Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in in the state, making individual actions one of the most important tools for preventing wildfires.
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