03/23/2026
Combined Special Weather Statement – Increased Fire Danger
National Weather Service (Blacksburg VA, Raleigh NC, Greenville-Spartanburg SC)
Issued early March 23, 2026
High Risk for Rapid Wildfire Spread Today
Dry brush, leaf litter, and fine fuels are extremely dry after recent breezy/low-humidity days. This afternoon and evening will bring very low humidity (mostly 20–30%), gusty winds (20–30 mph), and warm temps—creating prime conditions for wildfires to ignite easily and spread fast from even tiny sparks.
When the Danger Peaks
• Western/central VA areas: 1 PM to 7 PM EDT
• Central NC (Piedmont/Sandhills): 3 PM to 10 PM EDT
• Western NC (including Charlotte area), Upstate SC: Afternoon through early evening (highest risk when humidity drops and winds pick up)
Why It’s So Risky
• Very dry vegetation (grass, leaves, pine needles, tree litter)
• Relative humidity falling below 30% (often 20–30%)
• Northwest winds gusting 20–30 mph
• Warm temperatures making everything more flammable
A single spark (from a cigarette, equipment, vehicle, or unattended fire) can start a fire that spreads quickly across large areas.
Areas Affected
North Carolina (Central/Piedmont & Sandhills – NWS Raleigh):
Person, Granville, Vance, Warren, Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Orange, Durham, Franklin, Davidson, Randolph, Chatham, Wake, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland
Western/Central NC (including Charlotte metro – NWS Greenville-Spartanburg):
Alexander, Iredell, Davie, Catawba, Rowan, Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg (Charlotte), Cabarrus, Union
Examples of areas in NC: Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Gastonia, Salisbury, Statesville, Hickory, Mooresville, Monroe, Indian Trail, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Fayetteville, Southern Pines, Pinehurst
Virginia (Western/Central – NWS Blacksburg):
Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell, Wilkes, Yadkin, Roanoke, Botetourt, Rockbridge, Patrick, Franklin, Bedford, Amherst, Henry, Pittsylvania, Campbell, Appomattox, Buckingham, Halifax, Charlotte
Examples of cities in VA: Roanoke, Salem, Lexington, Buena Vista, Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, South Boston
Safety Tips – What to Do Right Now
• Properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and flammable items in metal containers, never toss them on the ground.
• Be extremely careful with any equipment that can spark (chainsaws, welders, grinders, mowers, ATVs, etc.).
• Keep vehicles off dry grass, hot exhaust or catalytic converters can ignite fires.
• Avoid any outdoor activities that could create sparks near dry vegetation.
• If you see smoke or fire, call 911 right away.
Burning Restrictions Critical Updates
• North Carolina (Statewide – All 100 Counties): A statewide burn ban is in effect (issued March 21, 2026, and still active as of March 23). No open burning allowed anywhere—no debris piles, yard waste, brush, leaves, campfires, etc. All burn permits are canceled. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged due to high fire danger, especially afternoons/evenings. Gas grills/portable stoves may be okay if local rules allow, but check first.
• Virginia: The statewide 4 PM Burning Law remains in effect through April 30, 2026. No open burning (debris, campfires, brush) before 4 PM if within 300 feet of woods or dry grass. Allowed only 4 PM–midnight with strict precautions (constant attendance, tools/water ready). Local areas may have stricter no-burn rules today due to winds/low humidity
Bottom line: Fire danger is high this afternoon/evening dry fuels + low humidity + gusty winds make wildfires easy to start and hard to stop. Human-caused fires (from negligence) are the main threat. Be extra vigilant, follow all restrictions, and help prevent fires. Small sparks can become big problems fast today!
