High winds and low humidity across Surry County and surrounding areas have created ideal conditions for grass and brush fires, raising alarm for firefighters and emergency services. Over the weekend, these dangerous conditions persisted, prompting local officials to remain vigilant as the risk of fire increased significantly.
According to the National Weather Service, the environment was particularly dry, with humidity levels plummeting to between 15% and 20%. These factors combined with very dry fuels, such as grasses and tree debris, led to heightened fire danger. The National Weather Service issued warnings indicating, "The combination of very dry fine fuels, limited rainfall over the last week, and very low relative humidity will lead to elevated fire behavior on Monday."
Currently, Surry County, alongside neighboring Yadkin and Wilkes counties, is classified under the highest risk category and has been marked as "Extreme" on the state's daily fire danger map. This alarming status is expected to reduce to "Very High" by Tuesday, March 4, and "High" by mid-week. Fortunately, some precipitation may be on the way, as forecasts suggest rain could arrive late Tuesday evening and continue through the early hours of Wednesday.
Eric Southern, the Emergency Services Director for Surry County, reported reduced fire activity over the weekend, stating, "The rate of calls and the number of fires had reduced slightly on Sunday after very busy days." He noted, nonetheless, emergency crews had responded to ten fire incidents on Saturday, March 1, and seven on Sunday, March 2, with most being categorized as minor.
The overlapping coverage provided by multiple fire departments proved effective, allowing them to maneuver resources efficiently. When one crew was occupied with a blaze, others were able to jump in and cover gaps. Southern emphasized the importance of readiness, saying, "Most fire departments have prepared to place firefighters on standby since they were made aware of the increased danger of fire today with low humidity." He detailed instances where renowned local departments collaborated on fire response, especially highlighting teamwork when more extensive fires broke out.
For example, during the peak fire activity on Saturday, firefighters battled blazes around the Shoals and Siloam areas, with incidents also reported near Mount Airy. One notable fire at 4007 Shoals Road involved multiple structures, indicating the severity of the situation. Importantly, he mentioned, "Several departments were needed to address a large woods fire at 350 Elkin Wildlife Road, which reported multiple fires across about quarter-acre areas, requiring assistance from Arlington and Pleasant Hill departments."
The situation was somewhat improved for Yadkin County, as EMS Director Keith Vestal reported no major fire incidents related to weather conditions. This regional difference highlights how the Yadkin Valley was more fortunate compared to other North Carolina areas, which saw significant emergency actions taken as wildfires threatened communities, leading to evacuations.
Reports from the U.S. Forest Service revealed larger fires of concern, including one encompassing approximately 400 acres at Uwharrie National Forest, located about 50 miles east of Charlotte. Progress was made on this fire, with one-third containment announced as of Sunday. Meanwhile, evacuations were ordered for residents of Polk County on Saturday due to rapid fire spread, with damage from the blaze reported to be around 500 acres. Such urgent actions underline the rising danger across the region.
Moving southward, conditions were equally dire as South Carolina coped with wildfires. Over the weekend, more than 175 active fires burned approximately 6.6 square miles. Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday to facilitate wildfire response measures, and officials have implemented statewide burning bans to curb the spread. The Horry County Fire Rescue reported progress against the fires near Myrtle Beach, stating evacuations were necessary for residents from affected neighborhoods. Fortunately, no structures were reported damaged there.
On Monday, March 3, the North Carolina Forest Service documented no active fires within Surry County. Some very small fires under 2 acres were reported contained within Wilkes and Alleghany counties, showcasing the positive outcome of the continuous firefighting efforts throughout the state. The hard work and readiness of local crews have kept fire threats manageable, even as environmental conditions continue to pose risks.
Looking forward, emergency services and local leaders remain alert and proactive as they monitor changing weather patterns and respond accordingly. With the promise of rain on the horizon and the reduction of intense fire incidents, there is cautious optimism for the impacted communities as they navigate these challenging environmental conditions.