S.C. Lifts Fire Alert, Says Lengthier Fire Season on Deck

The South Carolina Forestry Commission has lifted a red flag fire alert that recommended no burning outside.

The alert was posted about a week ago because of brisk winds and low humidity, ripe conditions for wildfires. Conditions were better Monday and the commission lifted the alert.

During the red flag alert, firefighters fought 156 fires on more than 475 acres in the state. They also battled a fire of almost 1,000 acres in Richland County that began before the alert was posted.

Officials say the drought has caused this forest fire season to start earlier and it will be more active than in past years.