Red Flag Warning issued for North Carolina, increased wildfire risk

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Red Flag Warning is in effect for most of North Carolina and South Carolina through Saturday due to the increased threat of wildfires across the region. 

The National Weather Service issued the warning on Friday afternoon. A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity and stronger winds are expected to combine for an increased risk of fire danger. 

The Red Flag Warning for the Carolinas is in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. Winds associated with a cold front pushing across the region could gust up to 35 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Counties along the Tennessee-North Carolina border aren’t included due to light snowfall Thursday night. 

Affected areas include the following counties in the Charlotte area: Alexander, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Chester, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Spartanburg, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Union and York. 

Statewide burn bans are in effect for North Carolina and South Carolina. Crews are also battling a 600-acre wildfire in Polk County, North Carolina, which is about 85 miles west of Charlotte. Officials issued mandatory evacuations on Friday as the flames spread toward the Piney Gate area. 

The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on all open burning effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, due to escalating wildfire risks caused by dry conditions.

The Black Cove Fire has spread over 400 acres and is 0% contained, according to the NC Forest Service. The fire’s cause is unknown. It is located near Green River Cove Road on the Green River Game Land.

The Deepwoods Fire has spread over 200 acres and is 0% contained as of 7 p.m. The fire’s cause is unknown. This fire is located just east of the Black Cove Fire near Piney Gate Road.

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