12 days into the statewide burn ban, which was issued April 17, Forestry Commissioners are lifting restrictions for most of the Upstate.
The counties no longer under a burn ban as of Wednesday are:
- Abbeville
- Anderson
- Cherokee
- Chester
- Greenville
- Greenwood
- Laurens
- Oconee
- Pickens
- Spartanburg
- Union
- York
South Carolina Forestry Commission leaders say the recent rainfall eased conditions favorable for wildfires. But even though some areas saw an inch of rainfall, most of South Carolina remains under moderate to severe drought.
“The lack of significant rainfall across most of the rest of the state is keeping fuels dry, and the current overall conditions in the central, eastern and southern counties remain volatile,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “Even without high winds and low relative humidity, the dry weather and drought conditions are expected to remain until we get extended soaking rain.”
Citizens in areas where the ban has been lifted must still notify the Forestry Commission before burning.
Even if a burn ban is lifted by the SCFC, county and city governments can issue their own restrictions. Residents are urged to check with local law enforcement to ensure burning is allowed.
