Drought Status Unchanged Across South Carolina; Fire Risk Remains of Concern

Despite recent wintry weather across South Carolina, the state’s drought status remains unchanged, and officials continue to warn of an increased wildfire risk. The South Carolina Drought Response Committee, which met via conference call on January 31, opted to maintain the current drought levels, citing continued dry conditions and wildfire concerns.

According to the committee, 32 counties across the Upstate, Pee Dee, and parts of the Lowcountry remain in the “incipient drought” category—the lowest level on the state’s four-tier scale of incipient, moderate, severe, and extreme drought conditions. The remaining 14 counties, spanning from the Midlands to the southeastern corner of the state, continue to be classified as experiencing normal conditions.

Although representatives from two of the state’s drought management areas were unable to form a quorum required for an official vote, attending members supported maintaining the current drought status. State Climatologist Hope Mizell noted that winter rainfall has been below normal for much of the state, with the driest conditions recorded in the Pee Dee and Coastal Plain regions in December, while January brought dry conditions statewide. The Upstate and Pee Dee regions received less than 50% of their normal precipitation for the month.

A key concern among officials is the heightened wildfire risk, exacerbated by dead vegetation and increased fuel on the ground due to debris left by Hurricane Helene. “We will have trouble accessing areas with all of the large trees and debris down on the ground, and there will be a lot of potential for larger wildfires and more extreme fire behavior as trees downed by Helene dry out and become available to burn,” said Darryl Jones with the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

The state has already experienced a higher-than-normal number of wildfires in recent months. By January 30, the Forestry Commission had responded to 200 wildfires that scorched more than 531 acres—double the five-year average for January, with acres burned 41% above normal. Wildfire activity typically peaks from February through April as dormant vegetation becomes more susceptible to burning.

Jones emphasized that more than half of the wildfires in South Carolina annually are caused by outdoor debris burning. He urged residents to exercise caution, burn only on suitable weather days, and adhere to all regulations, including notifying the Forestry Commission before burning yard debris.

While groundwater conditions and lake levels remain stable, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services pointed to persistently low streamflow levels in the Upstate, Pee Dee, and lower Santee regions as justification for maintaining the incipient drought classification in those areas. In contrast, streamflow levels in the central and lower parts of the state have improved, allowing those regions to remain in “no drought” status.

The Drought Response Committee is scheduled to reconvene on February 26 to reassess conditions and determine whether any changes to the state’s drought status are warranted.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR)