Burn ban issued in Lexington County before incoming cold front. Here’s why
A burn ban has been issued for Lexington County as a cold front approaches South Carolina.
County officials announced the ban Thursday, following a statewide Red Flag Alert issued by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, according to a news release. While the alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, it strongly discourages burning as weather conditions are favorable for a fire to spread easily and rapidly.
As such, Lexington County officials decided to prohibit any outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning and campfires until further notice, a news release said.
The ban was issued ahead of a cold front expected to move through the state, which will bring low humidity and gusty winds throughout the weekend, according to the release.
Although rainfall is also expected, it will not be enough to reduce dry conditions on the ground, the release said.
Between February and March of this year, firefighters across the state have responded to 557 wildfires, according to the release, adding that South Carolina historically experiences more wildfires in March than in any other month.
