Weather warning prompts burn ban

Roseland Fire Chief Len Fipps surveys and abandoned structure that burned on Sidney Cherry Grove Road Thursday afternoon. Firefighters from Roseland and Fair Bluff stopped the fire from spreading up a ditch bank, and into adjacent areas. (Deuce Niven photo)
Windy dry conditions have prompted a National Weather Service warning against outdoor burning, and a ban in unincorporated areas of Horry County.
Horry County’s ban, effective at 10 a.m. today, is until further notice.
While there has been no ban announced in Columbus County, Tabor City Fire Chief Jerry Hodges said outdoor burning should be put off until weather conditions improve.
Text of the Weather Service warning includes:
…INCREASED FIRE DANGER THIS AFTERNOON TO VERY EARLY EVENING…
INCREASING SOUTHWEST AND WEST WINDS TODAY…ACCOMPANIED BY DRY
CONDITIONS AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT…WILL INCREASE THE DANGER OF
FIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON TO EARLY EVENING.
OUTDOOR BURNING IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. ANY UNATTENDED FIRE
SHOULD BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT.