Dry conditions and March winds have made conditions right for multiple woods fires throughout Colleton County in the past week. Colleton County Fire-Rescue has responded to 21 woods fires since Saturday, March 14th. The causes have ranged from controlled burns that jump the fire lines, fired from unattended debris pile, and yard fires that just got away from the homeowners. Damage from the fires included one vehicle and a storage building destroyed at one location. Colleton County Fire-Rescue and Forestry Commission personnel were able to protect all of the other structures and control the fires. The largest fire was a six-acre fire that spread into nearby woods. Residents are reminded that even with the small amount of rain we received in the past week, the area is very dry. March winds quickly spread the flames and embers making the small fires spread fast. Always check with the Forestry Commission before outdoor burning and if the fire appears to be getting out of hand, call 911 as soon as possible.
