Lexington, S.C. – The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately. As a result, Lexington County is now under a burn ban until further notice. The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning and campfires.

A cold front moving through the state will bring low humidity levels throughout the weekend, along with sustained gusty winds. However, the expected rainfall will not be enough to mitigate the dry conditions on the ground across much of the state.

In February, South Carolina firefighters responded to 280 wildfires, surpassing the five-year average for the month. So far in March, 277 wildfires have already been recorded. Historically, South Carolina experiences more wildfires in March than in any other month.

The alert will remain in effect until the Forestry Commission decides to lift it, and fire managers will continue to monitor conditions closely.