Severe drought causing increase in brush, vegetation fires

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of Pitt County are now in a severe drought, causing an increase in brush and vegetation fires.

Chief Michael Brown from the Red Oak Fire Department says 90 percent of wildland fires are caused by peoples’ actions. For example, throwing a cigarette on the ground, burning trash carelessly and leaving burn barrels to go out by themselves.

Fires are also starting because of how hot and dry it has been.

“Vegetation fires, and now we’re talking about fires in woodlands, fires in fields, fires in agricultural fields, and even in peoples’ neighborhoods have increased as we have hotter and drier conditions,” Chief Brown said. “Because when you have dry materials and you have low humidity, it makes it much easier for materials to catch fire and for that fire to spread.”

To learn more, watch the video above.

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