The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a release telling people that a Red Flag Fire Weather Alert was declared for the entire state of South Carolina.
On Saturday, weather conditions, which include wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour in some areas, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures, made it more likely that a small debris burn could get out of hand. That is how more than half of all wildfires in the state start.
The SC Forestry Commission wants communities to know that a Red Flag Fire Weather Alert does not outlaw debris burning in most unincorporated jurisdictions, but it is an advisory which strongly encourages South Carolinians to postpone burning
In Union County members of the Union County Fire and Rescue Association conducted a training session on Saturday. Nearly 150 firefighters participated with more than 10 departments represented. They learned skills using tools and search and rescue techniques that would help them fight future fires.
Lockhart Fire Chief and Chief of the Union County Fire and Rescue Association Lee Brannon said many of the firefighters were volunteers and didn't get this training on a regular basis. Learning these skills can also help fight a wildfire if necessary said Mark Wade of the UC Fire and Rescue Association.
"I'll be honest with you someone that's even burning in a barrel and it gets out it would be hard for us in a fire truck to control...let alone someone with a hose pipe that might reach or not," said Wade.
The ban will remain until the SC Forestry Commission feels it's safe to burn in the state.
Some local ordinances do ban burning during a Forestry Commission Red Flag Alert.
The Forestry Commission issues Red Flags when weather conditions support the spread of fire, outdoor activities are expected to rise (i.e. warm weekends), and allocation of agency resources is strained SCFC's capacity to respond to wildfire is sorely tested when these weather conditions persist on a statewide level.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:05 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:05:09 GMT
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Union County firefighters train Saturday
