Story Published:
Jul 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 3, 2009 at 5:33 PM EST
AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. – There have been six brush fires in two days in Aiken County.
Now, the South Carolina Forestry Commission is asking you to be extra careful during these dry summer months.
Acres of charred land is still smoldering from Thursday's fire that burned more than 200 acres.
“You couldn't see past three or four feet, you couldn't see anything,” said Diane Strang, homeowner.
Fire officials were able to contain the fire. What they are working on are the hot spots. As the temperature gets hotter and the wind continues to blow, they're going to watch to make sure those hot spots don't start more brush fires.
Brandon Heitkamp with the South Carolina Forestry Commission says they're playing a waiting game with the flames.
"It will take awhile to let it burn up entirely and stop smoking. We let it run its course and we patrol the lines. These stumps burn for quite awhile and they smoke, causing multiple problems like smoke in the road. Also, if that stump smokes hard enough, it will dry the fuels around it and ignites it," said Heitkamp.
South Carolina Forestry officials plowed dirt surrounding the fire to protect homes just a few feet away from the flames.
“By getting rid of the fuel there's nothing to burn because dirt won't burn,” said Heitkamp.
Strang is one of forty homeowners forced to evacuate.
“There were flames all out here, stumps and everything was burning,” said Strang.
As Heitkamp continues to survey the damage, he hopes the evidence left by this brush fire will remind people to be more cautious, especially during the dry summer season.
"Make sure they have a dirt area around the area they are burning and they stay with their burn until it's completely out," said Heitkamp.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission says Thursday's brush fire was started by sparks coming from a car or piece of equipment.
Most of the others were caused by people burning trash.
In South Carolina, there is not a burn ban, but you’re asked to use caution.
In Georgia, there is a burn ban until the end of September.
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