SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Dry conditions and low humidity are being blamed for brush fires in Johnston County on Wednesday.

Twenty-two residents were evacuated from the Classic Care Assisted Living facility in Smithfield when the fire got dangerously close.

Administrators at the facility said an alert employee helped them get residents out in time.

Crews doused the fire and residents were allowed back inside.

The North Carolina Forest Service will be watching the weather closely over the next several days.

The forest service said nearly 30 acres of brush burned in the state last year due to forest fires.