Officials urge caution through drought conditions 

The dry conditions outside have local officials asking the community to be careful when burning or working with flames.

Because it has not rain since April 3, the situation outside is “extremely dry,” said Laurens County EMA Director Bill Laird. 

“Once the wind picks up, that increases the danger for fire to spread,” he said. “At this time of year it tends to be a little breezy. We have been getting red flags a couple of times a week for high fire danger.” 

  A red flag warning is the highest alert from the National Weather Service. This is issued when there are critical weather conditions, including low humidity and strong winds, that can help spread a fire.

“If they don’t have to burn, don’t burn,” said Laurens County Fire Chief Josh McCard. “If they do, they need to have precautions in place. Have a water hose or a good break around it. Take all of the necessary precautions. The main thing would be to limit their outdoor burning.” 

Though Laurens County is currently not in an outdoor burn ban, it would be beneficial to refrain from burning during these conditions. 

“If they do burn outside, make sure it is completely out before they leave it,” McCard said. 

This includes cigarettes.

“If the conditions are right, with humidity and everything, bad things can happen so people need to be mindful where they discard their cigarettes,” McCard said. 

Cigarettes have been known to start grass fires.

“Those are not fun to deal with,” McCard said. “Those don’t take long to get out of control. And it can get bad in a hurry, especially in these conditions. We sure could use some rain.” 

Dublin Fire Chief Matthew Cutler called the latest condition “significant.” 

“We are under hazardous fire-weather conditions,” he said. “People are not supposed to be burning in the city anyway. That won’t stop people from doing things. With the conditions as they are, a little small fire can turn into damage to property, injuries and all kind of things.”

And there is no rain in sight until a 50 percent chance on Thursday, April 23.

“That’s a long way out,” Cutler said. 

People should also be aware of what they are doing when grilling outside.

“They need to be careful when it comes to fire or fire sources,” Cutler said.

Along with the dry conditions, everyone should be aware of the heat.

“If you are doing strenuous activities outside, they need to make sure to drink plenty of fluids in order to keep cool,” he said. “You lose a lot more fluid through sweating than people think.” 

Also while outside, it is best to wear a hat or use sun block.

“People think about that when they go to the beach, river or the pool,” Laird said. “Other than that, we don’t think about it. Grab a hat and let that help shade your face and keep the sun off of it. A good application of sunscreen is needed because sun damage to your skin could have lasting effects. You may not see it today, but it could turn up as cancer five years from now.”