WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The images of wildfires from western North Carolina are alarming.
However, local firefighters said fires related to the dry conditions are not confined to the mountains.
On Thursday, Winston-Salem firefighters said an SUV parked on top of a pile of leaves that had been raked into the edge of the road.
The heat of the engine was enough to ignite the dry leaves before the car erupted in flames.
This week, Winston-Salem firefighters have responded to a dozen brush fires throughout the city.
Although these fires pale in comparison to the scale of the fires in Western North Carolina, smaller urban fires can spread to other structures including homes and businesses.
"The fires are generally smaller than what you see out west, but they still have the opportunity to threaten structures. Even in this neighborhood around Fire Station Eight, we have trees right around structures. We have plenty of leaves down on the ground," Interim Assistant Fire Chief Ed Duffield said.
As surrounding counties enact burn bans, it's important to remember that burning in city limits is illegal, including Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
Exceptions for the statute include cooking and recreational fires contained to a fire pit.
Assistant Fire Chief Duffield said everyone needs to be diligent with any source of spark or heat until conditions improve.
"Outside the city of Winston Salem, if you are in an area that allows burning, be safe, have that hose near you, don't leave the fire and make sure it's out and cold," Duffield said.
If you are found to be the source of a brush fire, you could be cited by firefighters.
It's also a reminder after Thursday's vehicle fire in Winston-Salem if you plan to rake your leaves to the road for city collection, you should pile them up on the curb, not in the road.
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