SC Forestry Commission to lift statewide burning ban

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — The South Carolina Forestry Commission will lift its statewide burning ban at 7 a.m. Monday, after weather conditions that prompted the restriction eased.

The ban was issued March 27 amid extremely low relative humidity and gusty winds, conditions the agency said have since subsided. Officials cautioned, however, that much of the state remains under elevated drought conditions and residents should use extra care when burning outdoors.

Rain chances are expected to increase later this week, but the Forestry Commission said the precipitation is not expected to significantly improve drought conditions. Above-average fire danger and activity are still expected through April.

“Just because the burning ban is being lifted, it does not mean the fire danger is gone. 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,” SC Forestry Commission Fire Chief Darryl Jones said. “If you choose to burn outdoors, you should be extremely careful and take all necessary precautions. Any fire you start is your responsibility even if it rekindles and spreads days later.”

Jones said anyone who chooses to burn outdoors should take all necessary precautions, warning that people who allow fires to escape will be held accountable.

Anyone planning to burn residential yard debris or conduct prescribed burns must still notify the Forestry Commission before burning, the agency said.