00:00A critical fire weather threat is developing across parts of the southeastern United States
00:04today. Forecasters are warning residents and fire agencies to treat this situation with
00:10extreme seriousness. The Weather Prediction Center has issued elevated to critical fire
00:16weather concerns across portions of the southeast for Wednesday. A dangerous combination of low
00:21relative humidity, gusty winds, and dry vegetation from recent dry spells is creating explosive
00:28wildfire conditions. These conditions allow fires to spread with dangerous speed. States under the
00:34highest risk include parts of Georgia. The Carolinas are also in the critical danger zone. Portions of
00:41Virginia are facing elevated fire risk as well. During critical fire weather, a single spark can
00:47start a wildfire. That spark could come from debris burning. It could come from a downed power line.
00:53Even a vehicle can accidentally ignite dry vegetation. Within minutes, a small flame can grow into a
01:00structure-threatening wildfire. Residents in affected areas are strongly urged not to burn anything outdoors
01:06today. Fire agencies are already pre-positioning equipment across high-risk zones. Additional
01:12aerial firefighting resources are also being requested. Hundreds of homes have already been
01:18damaged across the southeast this season by fast-moving brush fires. If you see smoke, call 9-1-1
01:25immediately. Do not assume someone else has already reported it. This is the kind of weather day when
01:31fires write history. Take it seriously.
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