The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement Sunday warning of increased fire danger across portions of central South Carolina and east-central Georgia as dry conditions, low humidity and gusty winds combine to create hazardous conditions.
The statement is in effect from 12:29 p.m. through 7 p.m. Sunday. Forecasters said dry fuels from a lack of recent rainfall, relative humidity values dropping to 25–30%, and west to northwest wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph could allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly.
The alert includes Clarendon, Sumter and Lee counties, along with much of the Midlands, Pee Dee and Central Savannah River Area, as well as neighboring counties in east-central Georgia.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission has also issued a Red Flag Fire Alert for 33 counties statewide, urging residents to postpone any outdoor burning Sunday afternoon and evening. Officials warned that sparks from equipment, debris burning, campfires or other outdoor activities could quickly ignite dry vegetation under current conditions.
Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning, check with local burn permitting authorities before lighting any fires, and use caution with activities that could produce sparks. Weather and fire officials encourage the public to monitor updates as conditions evolve through the evening.
