Fire officials warn of consequences for ignoring South Carolina burn ban

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WJBF)- A burn ban is still in effect for the entire Palmetto State as firefighters continue to battle brush fires.

South Carolina issued two separate burn bans in March, something the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) said is rare. The second one went into effect March 21st until further notice, and they say it’s imperative that people comply with the ban.

“Even something very small, like an ember can travel so far and spread very, very quickly in these conditions. So we’re urging people to really stick with this statewide burning ban and abide by it and respect it as well,” Madeline Stewart, a Public Information Officer at the SCFC.

Conditions across South Carolina are ripe for wildfires. Large brush fires popping up in Myrtle Beach and Table Rock. And several smaller fires in our local area.

“We’re looking at very low relative humidity, so dry conditions. We’re also looking at high, gusty winds. But in addition, we’re also looking at dry fuels. We mean vegetative material. So, that’s trees, limbs, branches, leaves, pine straw, any kind of vegetative material that a fire will consume, that is fuel,” explained Stewart.

The massive amount of storm debris left by hurricane Helene is not only fuel but creates a barrier making it hard to contain wildfires.

“Hurricane debris is an obstacle that we may have to overcome. But we’re fortunate that our partners have helped us with our recovery and our cleanup to the extent that they have. So we do have some relief there. But certainly in the wooded areas, it could pose a problem and create a much larger brushfire,” said Sergeant Daniel Smith with North Augusta Public Safety.

Smith wants you to know that there are consequences if you burn illegally.

“You can be cited and even jailed for violating a burn ban. And if the fire were to get out of control as quickly as it absolutely can right now, and you damage other people’s property, harm someone else, or forbid someone else loses their life, you also have to deal with the penalties that are the result of that, including civil penalty.”

The burning ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

It does not apply to fires used to cook food or fires used in appropriate enclosures, like portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, or permanent fire pits constructed of stone, masonry, metal or other noncombustible material.

Go to the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s website for more in depth information on the state’s burn ban laws.