SUMTER COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of high fire danger conditions for Sumter County and parts of central Georgia this afternoon into the evening.

According to the alert, relative humidity levels are expected to drop to 25 percent or lower for four or more hours, creating favorable conditions for fires to start and spread quickly. Winds are forecast to be from the southwest at 3 to 8 miles per hour.

With dry fuels already in place, officials say outdoor burning could become especially dangerous. Residents are urged to check with local burn permitting authorities before burning outdoors and to use extreme caution if burning is allowed.

Emergency officials remind the public that even small sparks can lead to rapidly spreading fires under these conditions.

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