Increased Fire Danger Issued Across Rowan County and Central North Carolina Today

Even though rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to arrive later tonight, the hours leading up to that rainfall could bring an increased risk for fires across Rowan County and much of central North Carolina.

The National Weather Service has issued an Increased Fire Danger Statement from 10 AM through this afternoon for Rowan County and surrounding areas.

The concern stems from a combination of gusty southwest winds, hot temperatures, ongoing drought conditions, and extremely dry vegetation. Despite humidity levels being somewhat higher than what is typically associated with critical fire weather conditions, the severe-to-extreme drought affecting our area has left grasses, leaves, pine needles, and other fuels highly susceptible to ignition.

Today, southwest winds will frequently gust between 25 and 35 mph while temperatures climb into the lower and middle 90s. Those conditions can allow any fire that develops to spread quickly and become difficult to control.

Why Fire Danger Is Elevated

Over the past several months, Rowan County and much of the North Carolina Piedmont have experienced persistent drought conditions. While scattered rainfall has occurred at times, much of the vegetation remains unusually dry for this time of year.

As winds increase today ahead of Arthur's remnants, even a small spark could lead to a rapidly spreading grass or brush fire.

The National Weather Service notes that dry grasses, dead leaves, and tree litter can ignite easily under these conditions.

What You Should Do

I encourage everyone to use extra caution outdoors today.

Some simple steps can help reduce the risk of accidental fires:

• Properly dispose of cigarette butts and matches.
• Avoid tossing smoking materials from vehicles.
• Use caution when operating equipment that can create sparks.
• Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
• Delay any outdoor burning activities.
• Secure trailer chains and other metal objects that could create sparks along roadways.

In addition to the dry fuels, any thunderstorms that develop later today could produce erratic wind shifts that can make fire behavior even more unpredictable.

Rain Arrives Tonight

The good news is that widespread rainfall is expected to move into the area tonight as the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur track across the Carolinas.

Many locations could receive beneficial rainfall overnight, which should significantly reduce the fire danger by Friday.

However, until that rain arrives, conditions remain favorable for rapid fire spread if an ignition occurs.

I'll continue monitoring both the fire danger and the arrival of Arthur's remnants throughout the day and will provide updates as needed.