All outdoor burning in South Carolina will be prohibited effective at 4 p.m. Friday—until further notice.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) will issue a State Forester's Burn Ban, restricting the burning of yard debris, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state. The ban does not apply to fires used for cooking or those in appropriate enclosures such as outdoor fireplaces, chimineas and permanent fire pits that are in compliance with the state's fire codes.
SCFC is enacting the ban because of weather conditions that are elevating the risk for wildfires. Forestry officials warn that extremely dry conditions combined with dangerously low relative humidities and gusty winds create a volatile mix that could easily ignite fires and cause rapid spread.
SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones adds that past weather events are also fueling concern over wildfires.
"We’re really concerned about areas where events like Hurricane Helene and recent ice damage have led to higher amounts of fuel," Jones said. "This burning ban is necessary to limit ignitions to the maximum extent possible to prevent severe wildfires for public safety purposes."
Additionally, forestry officials are reminding South Carolinians that escaped debris burns are the number one cause of wildfires in the state. Those account for more wildfire ignitions—including lightning, arson and equipment use—than all other causes combined.