(The Center Square) – Four of 554 wildfires starting since a statewide burn ban went into effect were the result of lightning strikes, says the North Carolina agriculture commissioner.
The state’s drought is expected to continue through the bulk of April. In the most recent update, all 100 counties are minimum in a moderate drought with extreme or exceptional drought in 16.7% of the state, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
That’s up from 9.6% a week earlier on March 31.
“Even with a burn ban in place we are continuing to see significant wildfire activity across the state because of conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Persistent drought, warmer temperatures, low humidity and no rainfall, mean fires start quickly, spread quickly and burn intensely, which makes them harder to contain, control and extinguish.
“Our N.C. Forest Service staff will continue to monitor conditions and respond to wildfires across the state, but the public can help by following the burn ban and taking care with anything that can start a fire.”
Preliminary data indicates 152 of the 554 wildfires were caused by human activity. The state has issued 150 citations for illegal burning.
