Officials urge prevention as dry fuel and wind create dangerous conditions

JACKSON, Tenn. — The dry climate across the region may pose an increased wildfire risk and officials say it doesn’t take much.

West Tennessee is experiencing drought conditions, leaving vegetation and ground cover dry across the landscape.

When dry fuel combines with wind, the potential for wildfires can increase, especially if a fire starts accidentally.

The Tennessee Division of Forestry says many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity.

“During this, the more common causes are kind of more accidental, you know people burning leaves or burning piles, or throwing out cigarettes, pretty much human causes,” said Michael Durfee with the Tennessee Division of Forestry.

Officials say simple steps can help reduce the chances of a fire starting, like clearing flammable material away from your home, maintaining your yard, and reporting smoke or a fire as soon as you see it.

“Prevention is during days like this, if you don’t need fire, don’t light a fire, pretty much, you know be careful if you’re burning cigarettes or any material, and you know if you’re mowing just make sure you don’t have any sparks coming off your equipment,” Durfee said.

Officials say one of the biggest keys right now is prevention by avoiding any unnecessary burning and being careful with anything that could spark in these dry conditions.

Officials say weather, topography, and dry fuel like grass and brush all play a role in wildfire risk.

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