With the devastation caused in the Myrtle Beach area, the fear of wildfires has struck pretty close to home.  The thought of a large wildfire in the High Country has definitely crossed Watauga County’s Forest Ranger’s mind.

Ranger Rudy Johnson said right now, wooded areas are prime for a forest fire.  He explained that with the warm temperatures and moderate wind, the ground level of many forest areas are very dry.  Johnson said wooded areas would likely experience these dry conditions until early June, when a full leaf canopy has developed that will shade the forest floor and protect it from wind.

Johnson said there is no burning ban in the area and High Country residents should be able to light fires in green fields, but is urging residents not to burn near wooded areas.