The weather has changed drastically over the last 24 hours, causing Burke officials to ask everyone to rethink any activity that involves an open flame.
Campfires or any appliances that use an open flame are, for now, not recommended by the Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office due to dry weather and potential 50 mph wind gusts.
“The combination of the lack of rain, humidity level, and wind gusts has created conditions in which outside fires can grow rapidly with catastrophic results,” county officials said in a news release on Monday afternoon.
Residents and visitors should be extremely cautious if using an appliance that produces heat or an open flame, county officials said, and “extreme responsibility should be taken when discarding hot ashes from fireplaces, woodstoves, or cooking appliances.”
Residents should expect to see downed trees, utility lines, and electrical power lines. County officials said to call 911 immediately if there is a downed power line and do not attempt to move or drive over it.
“Always assume that power lines are energized, even if there is no sparking,” County officials said. “Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines. Electrical currents can jump, and wet ground or standing water can cause currents to travel even farther from the downed power line, making the potential danger zone even larger.”
County officials said if a power line falls on your vehicle to stay calm, do not touch anything metal, call 911, and remain inside the car. Rubber tires will insulate you from the electricity.