Red Flag lifted

The statewide Red Flag Alert is now lifted by the S-C Forestry Commission. Fire weather conditions have abated to include rain, higher relative humidity, decreased winds, and cooler temperatures. The conditions also alleviate some of the strain on Forestry Commission equipment and personnel. Because of a major structure fire in Horry County, a burning ban remains in effect in that coastal county until lifted by the Horry County Fire Department. Preliminary statistics for the weekend from the Forestry Commission’s dispatch centers show three Oconee County fires that affected six acres, but no property losses. The Forestry Commission reminds South Carolinians that debris burning, even where allowed, leads to nearly half of all South Carolina wildfires. You are asked to think before you burn.