South Carolina and Georgia state fire officials say that dry conditions are causing a fire hazard across northern South Carolina and northeast Georgia. Red flag warnings are in affect in 13 South Carolina counties and three Georgia counties, where brush fires already are causing havoc. Meanwhile, dry, hazardous conditions since 1998 have gripped the West, where most of the fire damage occurred last year. Making matters worse, meager snow packs couple with a spring that is predicted to be warmer than average. The combination means that the snow will melt more easily than usual, potentially placing the region in line for another fierce fire season.
Drought portends dangerous and long fire seasons throughout much of the United States.
Still, the unknowns snow pack, spring rains and June rain may yet bring the moisture needed to ease the dry conditions, and the concerns of fire managers and meteorologists for the upcoming wildland fire season. Some of the money will be used to reduce fuels through prescribed burns or by removing non-native plant species that increase fire danger. The American Red Cross also is preparing for another busy fire season. In Montana, chapters are training new volunteers to run shelters and help disaster victims, Howard said. Chapters also are distributing preparedness brochures that advise residents how to plan evacuation routes.