Statewide Burning Ban Lifted as Weather Conditions Subside

The South Carolina Forestry Commission officially lifted the statewide burning ban at 7 a.m. today, following a weekend of high-alert weather that had prohibited all outdoor burning. The ban, which was enacted last Friday, was prompted by dangerously low relative humidity and gusty winds that created a volatile environment for wildfires.

While the specific weather patterns that triggered the ban have subsided, forestry officials emphasize that the lifting of the ban does not mean the fire danger has disappeared.

Caution Remains the Priority

South Carolina continues to experience elevated drought conditions across much of the state. Although rain is forecast for later this week, meteorologists do not expect the precipitation to be significant enough to improve the current drought status.

Just because the burning ban is being lifted, it does not mean the fire danger is gone, said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. Most of the state is still very dry, and the risk of fires igniting easily remains. Anyone who has conducted a burn recently should continue to monitor it closely because of the potential for it to reignite.

Why April is Critical

The transition out of the ban comes at a historically dangerous time for the state. April is traditionally the period when South Carolina faces its most damaging and expensive wildfires. Officials warn that above-average fire danger is expected to persist throughout the month.

Under state law, individuals who conduct an outdoor burn and allow it to escape can be held legally and financially accountable for any resulting property damage or suppression costs.

Notification Requirements Still in Effect

Even with the statewide restriction removed, residents must still follow legal notification protocols before starting certain types of fires

• Residential Yard Debris: Residents in unincorporated areas are required by law to notify the Forestry Commission before burning leaves, limbs, or branches.

• Local Ordinances: Those living within city or town limits—including residents in Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn—must continue to follow their specific municipal ordinances, which may be more restrictive than state law.

• Prescribed Burning: Notification remains mandatory for all agricultural, forestry, or wildlife management burns

Residents can make the required notifications by visiting the South Carolina Forestry Commission website or using the designated toll-free number for their county.

As the Upstate heads into the peak of spring fire season, the Forestry Commission urges everyone to remain extremely vigilant and take all necessary safety precautions, such as keeping a water source nearby and never leaving a fire unattended.