Whitsett Fire Department

09/04/2026

05/19/2026

A code ORANGE air quality alert has been issued for Wednesday, May 20 as concentrations of ground level ozone pollution are anticipated to reach levels that are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection has declared a Code ORANGE Air Quality Action Day for the Triad Area, including Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Davidson, Randolph, Rockingham, Caswell, Davie and Stokes counties.

Due to anticipated high temperatures in the 90’s, bright sunlight, low humidity and a relatively stagnant air mass, ground level ozone formation is expected to reach levels which are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups on Wednesday. Children, teenagers, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, and people who are active outdoors are all considered groups sensitive to ozone exposure. It is recommended that these groups limit prolonged or intense exertion outdoors and that they take frequent breaks.

Triad residents and businesses can help prevent ozone pollution levels from rising even further by driving less, avoiding engine idling, and staying home if possible. The use of gas-powered lawn equipment should also be postponed until the air quality alert is no longer in effect.

The burning of trash and other non-vegetative material is always prohibited, and open burning for disposal of leaves, brush, or other vegetation is banned until the alert is over. To continue monitoring the Air Quality forecasts for the Triad, visit www.forsyth.cc/eap.

05/10/2026

04/27/2026

The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more.

“While the rainfall we received over the weekend was a welcome sight, it offered little to no relief from widespread drought conditions while being nowhere near enough to reduce our wildfire risk,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even the areas that received the heaviest amount of rain will quickly dry out from the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Until we get some additional rain and see more green-up in our forests, holding the burn ban in place statewide is the best option right now.”

While green-up and leaf-out are progressing at normal rate, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels and persistent low humidity are contributing to wildfire activity. For Western North Carolina, excessive forest fuels from Hurricane Helene are more available now than they were in 2025, low water levels in coastal areas have helped produce intense fire behavior where ground fire will likely be a long-term issue, and the Piedmont experienced 87 new wildfire starts over the weekend alone. Extended attack and mop-up efforts will be taxing and long-winded until drought conditions improve.

Read news release: https://bit.ly/497dNht

04/27/2026

04/14/2026

Hazardous Weather Update 4.14.26

🔥 The combination of dry fuels, very warm temperatures, gusty winds, and reduced humidity will lead to an increased risk of wildfires again today.

🍂 Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

❌ A statewide burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest Service remains in place.

For tips on how you can be prepared for wildfires, visit https://www.readync.gov/wildfire