Cause of Pilot Mountain fire: Latest on wildfires, fire weather risk [Ep. 391]

What this episode covers

This week, a special edition of the Carolina Weather Group covering the wildfires burning on Pilot Mountain in Surry County, North Carolina, and Pogue Mountain in McDowell County, North Carolina. Dry weather conditions combined with low humidity and gusty winds have led fire officials to issue a statewide ban on outdoor fires across North Carolina. Plus breaking news learned just today on the cause of the Grindstone Fire in Pilot Mountain State Park. The North Carolina Forest Service has determined the cause of the fire to be an escaped campfire in an undesignated area. The cause of the Sauratown Mountain Fire, also near Pilot Mountain State Park, was previously determined to be an escaped campfire. The Carolina Weather Group's Dan Whittaker shares video of roaring flames at Pilot Mountain State Park. WFMY TV meteorologist Christian Morgan joins us to explain how the weather conditions made it prime conditions for this fire to spread so easily. Plus the Carolina Weather Group's Scotty Powell visits another wildfire, this one burning on Pogue Mountain in McDowell County, NC. We also visit our 2020 conversation with the North Carolina Forest Service, who shared with us that 98% of wildfires in North Carolina are caused by humans. We'll also revisit tips they shared on how you can protect your home against the threat of wildfire. We examine the weather forecast for both North Carolina and South Carolina to see if and when rain could return, and how much of an impact it could have on our ongoing drought. SEE OUR 2020 CONVERSATION WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA FOREST SERVICE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST SUPPORT US ON PATREON VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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