Darlington County fire officials warn people to be careful when it comes to small things like grilling or even smoking a cigarette because it can quickly start a fire during high temperatures. 

“Weather conditions are really poor. High temperatures, dry ground, low humidity and even mild winds are all things that mix and it can be really dangerous for outdoor burning,” said Darlington county emergency management coordinator, Molly Odom. 

Record setting heat sparked more than 25 fires around the county in the last week and according to officials this is unusual for them. 

“Our normal call volume is two or three a day, so that’s a bit higher and that doesn’t include any of the other types of calls that we’re going to, that’s just outdoor burning,” said Odom. 

Fire chief, Ricky Flowers, issued a burn ban in the county on Wednesday shortly after the SC forestry commission issued a statewide red flag alert. 

“Even a small charcoal grill can lift off and land on dry grass and there’s a fire that’s happening before you can really get ahold of it. Having a water source can be a great idea,” said Odom. 

From the time someone calls 911 to the time firefighters get to the scene, it can be harder for crews once they arrive. 

“It can rapidly grow, it depends on what kind of material is in the way of the fire. It can be a natural vegetation that’s dry and it can spread faster, the wind can pick up so those obstacles does really influence how long it takes. The larger the fire, the longer is going to take to put out,” said Odom. 

Officials said these are some tips you should keep in mind during high temperatures: 

  • Create a safety zone of up to 100 feet around your home. 
  • Remove pine needles and dry leaves from around your home. 
  • Keep woodpiles at least 30 feet from your home. 
  • Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and warnings on both your home phone and cellphone. 
  • Grilling and fire pits should be avoided right now, use a metal screen over flames to keep sparks from floating out. 
  • Turn off gas fireplaces or put fire before you leave them.