A dangerous combination of dry weather and strong winds has triggered a fire alert across eastern North Carolina today.
The National Weather Service says a mix of low humidity, gusty winds up to 35 miles per hour, and dry ground conditions will make any spark highly volatile. Several coastal and southeastern counties are under a Fire Danger Statement until 8:00 p.m. tonight.
State forestry officials are urging people to avoid all outdoor burning, fully extinguish smoking materials, and keep vehicles off dry grass. Anyone that sees an unattended fire should dial 9-1-1 immediately.
