High Winds Today, March 1, 2016 | Eastern NC Now

News Release:

    Good Afternoon Everyone:

    I know how busy you folks are so I just wanted to alert you of a higher than normal risk of Brush Fires tomorrow from mid-morning through sunset.

    NWS states: "Southwest winds with gusts of 25 to 35 mph are expected Wednesday." Sustained winds near or exceeding 15 miles per hour plus temperatures near 80 degrees add up to an increase of fire running if you face brush fires. At a structure fire it will provide a strong supply of oxygen to the fire and make fighting those fires more dangerous.

    The good news is the humidity will remain above 50% which helps reduce the fire hazard for brush fires. On the other side of the coin the 50% or greater humidity when combined with the temperature equal an increase of the potential for heat injuries to fire fighters involved in firefighting activities.

    We have the very best trained volunteer fire fighters in the country in Beaufort County and each challenge the weather gives us you have always found a way to overcome. Don't be slow on the request for a third department tomorrow. Safety is the priority as usual and I know that is always your number one concern also.

    The risk of severe storms has diminished somewhat for tomorrow night, however, the following comment from the Potential for Hazardous Conditions Statement from the NWS website: "A few strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible Wednesday night. The main threat will be damaging winds and small hail." The risk of severe weather is less than 50% at this time, but you know how the weather changes here in Eastern Carolina. Drive defensively as you have normal traffic plus high profile vehicles and wind gust too deal with on the road. I read in Firehouse magazine that the number one killer/injury creator for Volunteer Firefighters is the fire equipment they are driving to fire calls.

    We will keep you updated should conditions change tomorrow. Let's hope our neighbors do the smart thing and postpone burning tomorrow.

    Be safe out there.

    Contact: John W. Pack, Jr.

      Director, Beaufort County Emergency Services  •  (252) 946-2046