11/05/2024
The potential for increased wildfire activity, especially in WNC, is above normal in November. In the aftermath of , the amount of fuel on the ground is excessive. Smaller diameter fuels and leaf litter will quickly dry out. Damage to roads, unstable ground and downed trees will continue to challenge response, making it difficult for first responders to access some wildfires which increases the potential for large wildfires in the most heavily impacted areas. With debris burning expected to increase, human-caused ignitions will likely increase.
Being cautious and safe with all outdoor fire is critical. Use prevention tips and best practices. https://bit.ly/3ObkzFX
From the National Interagency Fire Center’s National Outlook: tree destruction behind Hurricane Helene’s 80-100+ mph wind gusts will have long-lasting impacts to the fire environment, extending from its landfall along the Florida Big Bend through southern and eastern Georgia, the western Carolinas and smaller portions of southwest Virginia, southeast Kentucky and northeast Tennessee. This damage appears to be most concentrated on southeast-facing ridges and through mountain gaps. Smaller diameter fuels and leaf litter will dry out rapidly in these areas when weather allows, while newly fallen trees may not be cured enough to burn until next year. Washed out roads and trails, slope destabilization and large stands of fallen trees are expected to result in safety issues and difficulties accessing some fires through the outlook period. This alone may increase the probability of significant fires in the most heavily impacted areas. Debris burning will also become common, enhancing human-caused ignition risks over the coming months, especially during any lengthy periods of low precipitation, abundant sunshine, and poor overnight relative humidity recovery.
