ROME– High fire danger is expected across Floyd and Chattooga counties Monday afternoon into the evening as low humidity combines with dry vegetation.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a Special Weather Statement at 2:44 a.m. Eastern on Oct. 19. The statement covers both counties and other parts of north Georgia.

Forecasters also expect relative humidity of 30 percent or lower for at least four hours during the afternoon and evening. Meanwhile, northeast winds should range from 5 to 10 miles per hour.

With dry fuels already present, the weather service expects conditions that increase the danger of outdoor fires.

Check Local Restrictions Before Burning

The NWS notice is a Special Weather Statement, rather than a Red Flag Warning. It also does not itself establish a burn ban.

Instead, the weather service directs residents to local burn-permitting authorities to determine whether they may burn outdoors. It urges extreme caution if anyone burns outside.

The Georgia Forestry Commission also reminds residents that local burning ordinances still apply. Different types of burning can carry different notification or permit requirements.

Residents should also check with their local fire department or forestry office before lighting an outdoor fire. Permission to burn does not eliminate the need to consider weather conditions and prevent a fire from escaping.

Reduce the Chances of an Accidental Fire

The Forestry Commission explains that dry leaves, pine needles, and grasses can ignite easily when conditions are dry. In addition, hot equipment, sparks, and unattended campfires can start wildfires.

Its prevention guidance includes several precautions:

• Avoid parking a hot vehicle in dry grass.
• Use extra caution with equipment or activities that could produce sparks.
• Follow local burning guidance and applicable permit requirements.
• Keep water and hand tools available when conducting any permitted burn.
• Stay with a fire until you extinguish it completely.

For hand-piled yard-debris burning, the commission’s safety guidance also specifies separation from nearby vegetation and buildings. It calls for at least 25 feet from woodlands and at least 50 feet from structures, with burning limited to daylight hours.

However, those precautions do not override local restrictions or make unfavorable weather conditions safe for burning.

Residents can review the commission’s burning requirements and fire-weather resources before making plans. If a fire escapes control or threatens people or property, call 911.

NORTHWEST GEORGIA NEWS