Combustion ban in McDowell County issued due to critical fire weather conditions

McDowell County, NC (WLOS) – A burning ban now applies to McDowell County.

The McDowell County Fire Marshal office has published an open burning ban due to the forecast extreme fire hazard conditions, including low humidity and strong gusty winds.

The crews fight against the forest fire at Highway 9

This ban applies to all open burns within 100 feet of a structure; This includes garden waste, rubble and burns from the country, but does not include cooking fires with grills and smokers.

The firefighter's office said this ban was issued to protect life and property.

In addition, all fires should be deleted immediately from a structure within 100 feet.

The national weather service has also published a red flag warning for wind and low relative humidity.

Days with 'extreme' risk of fire, which was forecast for parts of Western North Carolina

A warning for red flags means that critical fire weather conditions now either occur or occur shortly.

The red flag warning applies on Saturday, March 1st, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.