Open burning discouraged in western North Carolina due to 'very high' wildfire risk - WLOS

The wildfire risk across western North Carolina this week. (WLOS)ASHEVILLE, N. C. (WLOS) — Outdoor burning is discouraged this week as continued dry conditions increase wildfire concerns. The North Carolina Forest Service has most of western North Carolina at a "very high" risk level for wildfires on Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 21. The wildfire danger in the region on Thursday and Friday drops into the "high" risk as relative humidity increases slightly and winds decrease. BUNCOMBE COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL DISCOURAGES OPEN BURNING AMID INCREASED FIRE DANGERBut the overall concern for wildfires grows as our lack of rain continues. Monday is the eighth rain-free day in Asheville, following the showers from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias. Right now, the region is expected to remain rain-free under a large ridge of high pressure into the middle of next week, making for a nearly three-week-long dry stretch. The second wildfire season of the year traditionally runs October through December in western North Carolina.