Fire danger high in Clay, neighboring counties

The U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Forest Service are warning the public of increasing fire danger in western North Carolina. 

Last weekend’s rainfall was not widespread and not enough to alleviate the dry conditions and persistent drought that has resulted from low rainfall in the past few months. Fuels in the forest will readily burn if ignited. Fire danger is predicted to remain high for the rest of October and into December. 

Both agencies would like to remind the public to use caution in any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, conditions may not be advisable for outdoor fires. The public is discouraged from burning yard waste during periods of low humidity or high winds.

For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

• Always consider alternatives to burning.