The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) will lift the Red Flag Fire Alert at 6 a.m. Friday for the remaining counties still under the burn notice. That includes those in the Midlands and Piedmont regions down to Aiken and Barnwell.
State forestry officials cite improving weather conditions as the reason for the lift. Despite a friendlier forecast, however, the SCFC continues to urge extreme vigilance when burning outdoors due to the lack of appreciable rain and worsening drought conditions that are expected through the end of the month.
State law requires anyone planning to burn outdoors (outside of city limits) to notify the Forestry Commission in advance and take the proper precautions, including:
- clearing a firebreak around the burn area;
- having water and/or tools on standby to keep the fire contained;
- never leaving the burn unattended, staying with the fire until it is completely out, preferably with water.
Additional information about burning in the state and other important resources can be found on the SCFC website.