ASHEVILLE (AP) ó State officials are warning against outdoor burning in nearly all North Carolina counties because of dry, gusty winds.
The state Division of Forest Resources said Thursday the warning was issued because dangerous fire conditions exist in most of the state. Forestry officials said careless outdoor burning still is the top cause of wildfires.
The National Weather Service also issued red flag warnings for all of the state except a few southwestern counties. The warnings cited strong winds and dry conditions. The forecasters said winds could gust as high as 50 mph for the Asheville and Boone areas.
There have been more than 617 wildfires that burned more than 1,354 acres so far this year.