State officials warn of holiday fire risks due to dry conditions
Fireworks explode over the Lincoln Memorial at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. State officials are urging North Carolina residents to consider dry conditions across the state as they prepare for the holiday. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
The North Carolina Forest Service is urging residents to consider the risks of dry conditions as they prepare for Fourth of July festivities. It also discourages fireworks and outdoor burning unless the region gets a good soaking rain.
The agency says while fireworks are an important part of Independence Day celebrations, they’re best left to professionals. Dry conditions make fire danger high and create risks that flames could get out of control more easily.
As of last week, all of the Piedmont Triad was experiencing a moderate drought, while parts of the High Country were at the lesser tier of abnormally dry, according to the North Carolina Drought Monitor.
Not much immediate relief in the area is expected. The National Weather Service forecast calls for mostly sunny conditions leading up to the holiday, with a slight chance for thunderstorms on the Fourth in the Piedmont.
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