Burn ban in Horry, caution urged in Columbus

    A burning ban is in place in Horry County, and while one had not been declared in Columbus County, fire officials are urging caution.
    Horry County’s outdoor burning ban in in effect through 8 a.m. Saturday, and is based on a Special Weather Statement noting “Increased fire danger” four northeast South Carolina.
    It reads, in part, “GUSTY WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS DEVELOPING THURSDAY IN THE WAKE OF A STRONG COLD FRONT COMBINED WITH A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN RELATIVE HUMIDITY WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASED FIRE DANGER ACROSS THE AREA”
    Though the Weather Service Warning does not include southeastern North Carolina, there were some brush fires in Columbus County on Wednesday, none in the Tabor City area, Tabor City Fire Chief Jerry Hodges said.
    “It’s dry and it’s windy and I won’t be surprise if we get busy,” Hodges said. “I hope not.”
    Wind Wednesday night was enough to send a tree limb crashing into a parked car off of NC 904 east of Tabor City, Hodges said. That car suffered damage to the front end.
    Look for a report on any significant fire and weather event in the March 19 Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.