State forestry officials are strongly discouraging South Carolinians from burning outdoors. Current weather conditions are presenting an elevated wildfire risk prompting the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) to issue a statewide Red Flag Alert, effective until further notice.
The SCFC warns that a lack of significant rainfall is fueling drought-like conditions across the state. This, coupled with no precipitation in the foreseeable future, higher winds and low humidities, are heightening wildfire threats and concerns.
"Any fire that ignites is likely to burn intensely and spread rapidly,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “With this alert, we’re asking people to respect the weather and hold off from burning outdoors until the weather improves. "If you have burned recently, we encourage you to monitor the burn area to make sure the dry conditions don’t cause it to rekindle.”
Compounding the risk—especially across the western part of the state—are heavy fuel loads left behind by Hurricane Helene. Downed and drying trees, along with other debris, can act as kindling, increasing the likelihood of wildfire ignition and rapid spread. These conditions may also hinder firefighters’ access, ultimately impacting response efforts.
Although a Red Flag Alert does not ban outdoor burning, forestry officials urge anyone considering a burn to take extra precautions including contacting local fire departments to check what restrictions apply. Additional information about fire prevention and other important resources can be found on the Forestry Commission's website.