An Increased Fire Danger statement is in effect for portions of Central and Eastern North Carolina from 10 AM Tuesday morning to 6 PM Tuesday evening due to low relative humidity values around 25 to 30 percent, ongoing moderate drought conditions, increasingly receptive fuels, and frequently westerly wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph. Outdoor burning is discouraged. Please refer to your local burn permitting authority on whether you can burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution and ensure fire suppression equipment is readily available.