The State Forester's Burning Ban is no longer in effect for South Carolina. Despite the lift, the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) continues to urge vigilance as statewide drought conditions persist.
“Many areas of the state have seen rainfall this week, and higher relative humidity and fuel moisture continue to mitigate significant fire potential,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “Though we expect even more rain across more of the state in the next week, people who choose to burn outdoors should still exercise vigilance as the rain we have received has not changed the state’s drought status.”
South Carolinians who plan to burn outside—or for any prescribed burning—the Forestry Commission must be notified.
Residential yard debris burning
State law requires residents to notify the SCFC before any outdoor burning takes place. This mainly applies to yard debris like leaves, tree limbs and branches. People living in town or city limits must follow local burning ordinances. Notifications can be made online or by calling the county number where the person lives.
Prescribed burning
The Forestry Commission must also be notified before any prescribed burning takes place. This includes burning for wildfire hazard reduction, brush control, endangered species management, wildlife habitat improvement, plant disease control, crop residue removal and preparation of land for planting trees or agricultural crops.
Additionally, all burning for forestry, wildlife and agriculture must comply with SC Smoke Management Guidelines. To make notification, regardless of county, please call 800-777-3473.