Central Georgia Dealing with Increased Fire Threat
NewsCentral Staff
Story Created:
Apr 11, 2012 at 9:03 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Apr 11, 2012 at 9:03 PM EDT
Dry and windy conditions across central Georgia is forcing the region to deal with an increased fire threat, allowing blazes to spark with ease.
A lack of rain, low relative humidity and gusty winds have made vegetation dry and prone to catching fire.
The Forestry Service is asking that people refrain from any unnecessary burning including prescribed burns until conditions improve.
On Tuesday, the Jasper and Jones counties Forestry Commission responded to a monitored burn that went out of control.
According to Chief Ranger Howell Crutchfield, “We actually had one yesterday in Jasper county that was 20 acres and it was burning pretty hot. It was wanting to act up a little bit but we got 2 tractors on it real quick and we were able to stop it before it got to a young planted pine stand where if it had got in we would of had a problem.”
A Red Flag Warning is in effect, which advises citizens in the area to avoid any outdoor burning. Barbeques and outdoor camp fires should also be watched closely and cigarettes disposed of properly.
