SC forestry officials issue Red Flag alert amid heightened wildfire threat

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina officials are strongly encouraging residents to avoid outdoor burning amid a heightened threat of wildfires.

[Southern half of SC enters mild drought stage]

The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide Red Flag fire alert on Wednesday. It said low humidity and elevated drought conditions over the next few days combined with dry fuels could cause fires to spread rapidly.

The elevated fire risk is also present in North Carolina, where winds will be strongest Thursday afternoon.

The commission also encouraged crews using heavy equipment near woodlands to be careful about sparks that could start wildfires.

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