News Summary
Central and southeast South Carolina and Georgia are under elevated fire danger warnings due to dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds. A Special Weather Statement has been issued, highlighting the risks of wildfires, as relative humidity is expected to drop to 20-30% and winds may gust up to 20 mph. Residents in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution with outdoor activities and consult local burn permitting authorities. The threat of wildfires is anticipated to persist in the following days, affecting numerous regions in the southeastern United States.
Columbia, South Carolina – Elevated fire danger conditions are anticipated across central and southeast South Carolina and Georgia today, prompting officials to issue a Special Weather Statement that will remain in effect until 7:00 PM EDT on October 22, 2025. The warning highlights the risk of fire ignition due to dry conditions, low humidity levels, and brisk winds, creating an environment that is conducive for wildfires.
From 11 AM to 7 PM today, relative humidity (RH) is predicted to drop to the 20-30% range in affected areas. Additionally, westerly winds are expected to gust as high as 20 mph during the afternoon and evening hours, further aggravating the fire danger situation.
Specific counties identified at risk include Northern Lancaster, Southern Lancaster, Northwestern Orangeburg, and various other locations in central South Carolina and east central Georgia. The alert covers regions known for their susceptibility to wildfires during dry and windy conditions.
Officials indicate that similar fire danger conditions are anticipated to persist on Thursday, October 23, heightening the need for caution. Residents are urged to exercise precautions with any outdoor activities that could potentially ignite a fire, including but not limited to outdoor burning.
In addition to areas in South Carolina and Georgia, another fire danger alert has been issued until 9:15 PM for parts of western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, and northeast Georgia. Afternoon RH values in these regions are expected to decrease to 25-30%. Wind gusts in this area could reach up to 15-20 mph, contributing to the already elevated fire risk.
Furthermore, central Georgia is also under high fire danger warnings, with expected RH values to remain at 25% or less for four or more hours as the afternoon progresses into the evening. This level of dry conditions is concerning for fire officials and local authorities.
Due to the increasingly dry and windy weather attributed to a departing cold front, it is critical for residents to consult with local burn permitting authorities when considering outdoor burning activities. Many jurisdictions require permits for burning, especially during periods of heightened fire risk.
This fire alert follows a previous warning that indicated critical fire danger conditions in northwest North Carolina and the Piedmont of Virginia. There, RH levels were forecasted to drop between 20-25%, with some wind gusts reaching between 25 mph to locally 35 mph. Such conditions have raised alarms among fire management professionals regarding the potential for wildfires to break out in these dry conditions.
The combination of low humidity, persistent winds, and dry fuels has created a significant wildfire risk across numerous areas in the southeastern United States. All residents in the affected counties are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as the fire danger outlook remains critical in the coming days.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Island Packet
- Google Search: fire safety
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: wildfire management
- 828 News Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: natural disasters
- WBTV
- Google News: fire alerts
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The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
