On average, wildfires burn about 18,000 acres each year in South Carolina. The largest wildfire in South Carolina was a 30,000-acre blaze in Horry County in April 1976. Most recently, the worst rural and urban fire was the Highway 31 fire in April 2009, which burned over 19,000 acres and 76 homes in Horry County. Every year is different, but the wildfire season that registered the most wildfires was the 1980 to 1981 season, in which 14,405 wildfires were recorded.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission's Protection Division, the 2024-2025 wildfire season could be volatile. La Niña brings drier-than-normal conditions, and storm damage from Hurricane Helene makes for a bad combination. The National Interagency Coordination Center calls for above-average conditions across the entire state this season.

In the last five years, there have been an average of 1,300 wildfires annually across South Carolina. For reference, 2022 had around 2,000 wildfires, and this season could be close to that.
What causes wildfires?
Between 1992 and 2013, five out of the six fires in the U.S. were caused by humans. Once a fire starts, whether from human activity or natural causes, the weather determines its potential spread and speed of growth. Knowing if fire weather conditions are present and considering how well local areas are maintained so that fires don't propagate and threaten structures or humans is crucial.
South Carolina firefighters have started to train to be prepared for when wildfires spark. Of course, these trainings are controlled, and uncontrollable weather could rapidly make wildfires worse.
State law requires citizens to notify the South Carolina Forestry Commission before burning yard debris. Notify the SCFC here
How does weather affect wildfires?
Lightning can start fires, especially if it strikes over dry vegetation. Once a fire is ignited, either by lightning or humans — on purpose or not— weather conditions can spread such fires. Drought, vegetation, humidity, temperatures, and winds are the key components that can spread a fire.

South Carolina doesn't have a distinct wet or dry season, but the driest months are generally during the fall. It is no coincidence that South Carolina's wildfire season peaks during the following months — the winter and early spring — when it is likely that the driest months have ended and a drought may have developed. Vegetation fuels fires to rage—wildfire season peaks in the eastern half of winter, when the Upstate has more winter precipitation. At the same time, later in the season, closer to the spring, there tends to be a higher risk for wildfires across northwestern South Carolina, and the risk decreases for the coastal region.
With all the vegetation, more if it is dry vegetation, available for fires to intake and low humidity, during the winter and spring, there are still fronts pulling lots of dry air from the north, which helps the atmosphere stay with minimum available moisture, allowing the fires to grow. Then there are the winds. Windy conditions after a cold front sweeps through allow the fires to spread quickly. These are the two main reasons you might hear about "red flag warnings" across different parts of the state. These warnings alert residents about dangerous fire weather conditions, specifically when humidity is low and strong winds are in full force. Warm temperatures could also be at play with low humidity and gusty winds. Warmth brings more evaporation and, under the correct setup, can also give more power to wildfires.

Specific weather conditions will prompt the issuance of a red flag warning by the National Weather Service for your area, and these are statements issued when weather conditions, such as low humidity and strong winds, are present. These weather conditions can rapidly propagate fires. The South Carolina Forestry Commission issues a red flag alert when specific conditions are met. Relative humidity, winds, and ground fuel moisture, as well as outdoor activity, are factored in. These alerts are issued to discourage people from burning outdoors when the risk of wildfire is elevated.
Please be aware of any active alerts in your area, along with the local weather conditions that could aid the propagation of fires.