COLUMBIA, SC (WSPA) – The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert on Friday.

According to a news release, weather forecasts for the weekend include “stronger-than-normal wind gusts and low relative humidity,” which could create the potential for outdoor fires to spread quickly.

According to a news release, the alert, which is effective immediately, was put in place to discourage people from doing any outdoor burning and will help reduce the strain on local fire departments and first responders who need to remain available for COVID-19 response.

Forestry officials said the alert will be in effect until lifted by the commission and said they will be monitoring weather conditions throughout the weekend.

“These conditions present favorable conditions for wildfire ignitions, particularly