Wednesday
Aug222007
Dry Conditions Prompt Burn Ban
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 6:14AM The dry conditions have many counties considering mandatory water restrictions, as some officials said voluntary restrictions aren't working. Seventy-five percent of North Carolina is under severe or extreme drought conditions, with the driest weather in the mountains.
Meanwhile, the state has banned all open burning. The ban took effect at noon Tuesday and applies to all previously issued burn permits. No new permits will be issued, a condition that will last indefinitely. Gary Wood of the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources said the fires are burning out of control because there's no moisture. Wood said fires that erupted up to five weeks ago are igniting again.
The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources says more than 40 wildfires started Monday alone, affecting more than 370 acres across the state. National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Orrock says the state needs 15 to 25 inches of rain in the next few months to help ease drought conditions. But he says the chance of that happening is only about 30 percent.
Meanwhile, the state has banned all open burning. The ban took effect at noon Tuesday and applies to all previously issued burn permits. No new permits will be issued, a condition that will last indefinitely. Gary Wood of the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources said the fires are burning out of control because there's no moisture. Wood said fires that erupted up to five weeks ago are igniting again.
The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources says more than 40 wildfires started Monday alone, affecting more than 370 acres across the state. National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Orrock says the state needs 15 to 25 inches of rain in the next few months to help ease drought conditions. But he says the chance of that happening is only about 30 percent.
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