A National Weather Service special alert has prompted the Georgia Forestry Commission to prepare for the elevated threat of wildfires by discouraging outdoor burning this weekend. Burning permits may also be temporarily suspended in certain areas until conditions change.
“Most of Georgia has been placed under a fire weather watch through Sunday and a fire weather red flag warning is possible,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Forest Protection Chief Frank Sorrells. “Low relative humidity, along with high gusty winds means a higher potential for wildfires.” Sorrells said the GFC is closely monitoring conditions and asks anyone thinking of burning anything outdoors to consider postponing their plans until relative humidity and winds are more favorable.
“Even with recent rainfall, the ability to control open burning under these weather conditions will be difficult,” Sorrells said. “Resulting wildfires could spread rapidly and cause harm to people, damage to homes and other structures, as well as loss of timberlands.”
For more information about fire weather, fire safety, and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.
