Increased Fire Danger Expected Across Southeast North Carolina This Weekend

Gusty southwest winds, low humidity, and ongoing drought will create hazardous fire‑weather conditions

Dry conditions continue to deepen across southeastern North Carolina, and the US National Weather Service in Wilmington says the combination of ongoing drought, low relative humidity, and gusty southwest winds will lead to increased fire danger this weekend.

A fire‑weather outlook issued Friday evening highlights several contributing factors:

Gusts near 20 mph
Relative humidity dropping to 25–30%
Extremely dry fuels
Persistent drought across the region

These ingredients make it easier for a spark to ignite dry vegetation and harder for any fire to be controlled once it starts.

Residents are urged to check with local burn‑permitting authorities before burning. If burning is allowed, officials advise using extreme caution, keeping fires small, never leaving them unattended, and ensuring they are fully extinguished.

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